Overdue for a trip to the library

Oct 17

Oct 17 Overdue for a trip to the library

“Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card.” Those are the words Arthur and his friends sang in the hit PBS Kid’s show, “Arthur.”

In the song, Arthur and friends sing the praises of their local library - all of the fun and interesting things to do, read and learn about. Lee University is fortunate enough to have two libraries on and near campus. The William G. Squires Library and Cleveland Bradley Public Library both provide opportunities and resources for students’ academic needs and personal enjoyment.

Located in the central part of campus, the William G. Squires Library has a vast selection of resources for students, faculty, and staff. An academic library, Squires allows students to access information that can help them research for assignments and projects.

Ms. Dawn Bixler is the public services librarian at the Squires Library. She explains that faculty and staff are there for students who need help.

“We are happy to assist and help students when they're stuck finding sources. We love to help. Often they say, ‘Oh, we don't want to bother you,’ but that's what we're here for,” Bixler said.

The library website allows students to access resources without going to the building. Students can peruse the library catalog online and access outside databases.

The Squires Library is more than just a center of research. It is a place where students can study, participate in activities, and engage with their fellow Flames.

The library functions as a third place. The theory of third places is based on the concept found in sociology, of which there are certain places outside of home, school, or work, where individuals can go to engage with their community.

“It's another place where people can go to be around community, to be among other people, and that's what we feel like the library is. So they can come and book study rooms or find study tables. They can study on their own, but we also have lounge spots … It's a way that they can find that third space – a place to hang out, see friends,” Bixler said.

The library also holds events, such as Tea Tuesdays, and occasional speakers for Latte in the Library.

Bixler says the Squires Library hopes to keep on serving students well, while adapting to the future.

“We do try to identify what’s coming and what students want … how to best meet students needs … We want students to know that we are here to serve them, and we love to help.”

The main branch of the Cleveland Bradley Public Library is available to the community, which includes the students of Lee. It is so close to campus, some may mistake the public library for a Lee University building.

Since the library serves the general public, it offers some materials and services that are different from Squires.

Ms. Kerisa Shorthouse is the circulation supervisor at the Cleveland Bradley Public Library. She said the public library has a variety of things that may interest students.

“For Lee students, we really encourage them to come in and use the library. There is Squires library on campus, but there are some things here that are going to be a little bit different from what they can find there … We have a lot of the best sellers, romance, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, and Christian fiction. We try to stay up to date on all [books] coming out,” Shorthouse said.

Students living on campus can fill out a special application that allows them to check out books with their Student ID. Off-campus students can get a regular library card.

Students can also check out DVDs and CDs from the library’s collection. No need for streaming subscriptions — you can watch your favorite movies and tv shows, or listen to your favorite albums and audiobooks, all for free.

Though many may go to the library for the sole purpose of borrowing items, there are other ways to get involved.

The Cleveland Bradley Public Library is one of the pre-approved service opportunities for Lee’s service-learning program. Aspiring volunteers must fill out an application, and then they can choose to volunteer on a short or long-term basis. The library also regularly hosts events, including various club meetings.

Shorthouse advises Lee students to come find community at the Cleveland Public Library.

“You're part of the community while you're here, so come and make your voice heard. Ask for things, take part in things … it can help you build community if you end up finding work here and end up staying, and so we really want to help the university in making you feel like this is your home, at least for four years.”

Whether students spend their time researching, studying, or hanging out with friends, the Williams G. Squires Library and Cleveland Bradley Public Library has something for everybody.

“Having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card,” or, in this case, a Student ID.