Friends' Season Opener

Friends' Season Opener

No, it wasn't the television event of the fall, but it was the season opener for Friends — Friends of the Libraries, that is. An opening reception, hosted by President Kermit L. Hall and Phyllis Hall, was held Sept. 12 at the institutional residence. The libraries' friends braved a blustery fall evening to see the plans for the new library at Utah State University.

An architect's rendering of the library was unveiled, as was a computer animation that detailed the library's automated retrieval system — the first system of its kind to be used in a library in the state. The system is but one example of the cutting-edge technology that is incorporated in the new structure.

President Hall spoke briefly, welcoming the guests and thanking them for their support of University Libraries and Utah State. The university library is important to Utah State's success, he told the Friends crowd.

"Utah State is getting better," President Hall said. "We have the best-prepared incoming class in our history. Our graduation rates are up and our retention rates are up – there is nothing more important than ensuring that each and every one of the students who come to Utah State stay and graduate."

Referring to the university's mission statement, President Hall emphasized that academics come first at Utah State, and the new library, he said, supports that. "The library makes Utah State a better place."

Linda Wolcott, vice provost for libraries and instructional support, welcomed the crowd and thanked those involved, especially the administrators who provided the leadership that moved the library building project forward, making it a success. The efforts of all involved assure that the new library will be the intellectual center of campus, she said. The library supports the goals of discovery, learning and engagement.

The evening concluded with an acknowledgment of William F. Lye, long-time Friends of the Libraries president, and board member Kaye Steed. Both were thanked for their years of support and service since the organization's beginning.

An overview of coming Friends' events follows. All lectures begin at 7 p.m. and are held in the Merrill Library on campus.

October 17 — Ona Siporin, assistant editor of the Western Historical Quartely, Guarding the Stones of Venice.

January 23, 2004 — Ron Shook, associate professor of English,Racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

February 13 — Sarah Gordon, assistant professor of French, A Culinary Comedy in Medieval French Literature.

March 2004 — To be announced.

April 16 — JaDene Denniston, media specialist at Sunrise Elementary School, USU Alumni Contributions to Children’s Literature.