Angela Vanden Elzen

Author: Angela Vanden Elzen

Meet Hannah- University Archivist

Hannah Hacker-Snyder just joined the library team as our University Archivist. Be sure to reach out to archives@lawrence.edu if you have any questions for Hannah about Lawrence University or Milwaukee-Downer history, if you want to use the Archives for your course work, or just want to say hi!

Where did you grow up? 

My childhood home was a very small log cabin just outside of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Most people go there for the water parks and tourist attractions, but for me, that’s home. 

What did you study in school? 

As an undergraduate, I double majored in Arts Management and Creative Writing (with a poetry emphasis). I also had a student job for a couple years at the college library, and I loved it! My supervisor kept telling me to become a librarian. 

Originally, I had wanted to be in publishing, but I decided down the road that I preferred helping people find books over helping people publish books, so I got my master’s in library and information science from the University of Iowa, along with a Book Arts certificate. Even though I didn’t pursue publishing, I still loved making books! 

What is your favorite thing about working in archives? 

There is a lot I love about working in archives. It’s hard to pick a favorite thing! But I think the most rewarding part of working in archives is the ah-ha or lightbulb moments. It’s that moment of discovery and connection when holding a unique, historical record, that either I have as the archivist, or a researcher has when they’re working in the archives. It’s just the most satisfying thing.  

What do you like to do in your free time? 

When I’m not archiving, I’m binding books and creating whimsical watercolor paintings! I also play TTRPGs with my spouse and our friends (right now I’m in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign and a Monster of the Week campaign). And I’m a very devoted dog mom to my sweet puppy Lily Pad. 

Favorite book or book series?

Tough question! I don’t know if I can pick an absolute favorite. But currently, my favorite book series is the Emily Wilde series by Heather Fawcett. I read all three books this past year. My favorite of the three is the first book, Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Fairies. 

Meet Chandler- Music Librarian!

While Chandler Hall began as Lawrence University’s new Music Librarian & Assistant Professor just a few months ago, chances are pretty good that you’ve already met him. He’s already led several library sessions with music classes and studios, and has been busy working with folks from around campus to construct a library music lab- complete with a grand opening extravaganza (November 6, 3 pm!). Read on to learn a bit about Chandler!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Houston, Texas. There are a few things that I miss—Whataburger, proper barbecue, Tex-Mex—but the summer temps in Appleton were a huge improvement.

What did you study in school?

I earned my BA in History and Music from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, which ignited my enthusiasm for the liberal arts. I then attended the University of North Texas where I earned my MS in Library Science, and I am currently dissertating on my Musicology PhD from the same institution. Ask me about it!

What is your favorite thing about working in a library?

Working with students is the best part of my job!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to cook, hike, and play video games. I’ve also been known to dabble in crochet.

Favorite book or book series?

How about a music recommendation with a book tie-in? My favorite Kate Bush song is “Wuthering Heights,” which led me to read the Emily Brontë novel of the same name. An opinion befitting a music librarian: I prefer the song.

Meet Becky- Director of the Mudd Library!

Becky Frank began her role as Director of the Library and Associate Professor in June 2025. Haven’t had a chance to meet her yet? You’ll see her around campus at various events and meetings, as well as at the library reference desk. Be sure to say hi! Read on to learn about Becky!

Where did you grow up?

I spent most of my youth in the Chicagoland area, moving around between cities such as DeKalb, Elgin, and Rockford. My family moved to the Quad Cities area while I was in high school, and I graduated from a small town called Galva (about an hour from Peoria or Moline, IL). I enjoyed DeKalb the most – corn capital of the world!

What did you study in school?

I started out pre-med, but ended my undergrad time with a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education – Chemistry, with a middle school endorsement from Judson University in Elgin, IL. Who thinks teaching middle schoolers about chemical reactions sounds like fun? This girl!

However, after working in the library during my undergrad, I realized that my real passion was for libraries.  I returned to school and received my Masters in Library and Information Science from Dominican University in River Forest.

After working in libraries for a time, I realized that college administrations were working to create online degree paths for students, but never really looking at how libraries or other academic support units could best serve the online population. So, I returned a final time for an additional Masters, this time in Education with an emphasis on online learning in higher education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Someday, I plan to return and get a Ph.D., but right now, I’m content exactly where I am – starting a new adventure at Lawrence and raising my family in Packer territory!

What is your favorite thing about working in a library?

I like when students realize we’re not scary, and then suddenly I’m their go-to person for everything from research to where the nearest vending machine is (there’s one in the library entrance, btw!).

But also, I love working with students, faculty, or staff to help them find whatever it is they need; whether that’s a piece of information, a resource for their research, or ideas on what to read next.

What do you like to do in your free time?

The obvious answer, of course, is read. I set a goal a while back to read at least ten minutes every day, and I’m proud to admit that as of this interview, I’ve read every day for the last 1,032 days*!

I also enjoy quilting and crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, Dungeons & Dragons, playing Minecraft or other videogames with my son, football, and Disney!

*Listening to books totally counts as reading! I read a lot of audiobooks, and somedays my ten minutes are only audiobooks!

Favorite book or book series?

I cannot answer this question! My favorite book is usually the one I’m currently reading (Divine Rivals, by Rebecca Ross) or the one I just finished (Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, by Benjamin Stevenson).

Favorite Genre?

I love to read fiction – historical, sci-fi, young adult – you name it and I’ll read it! I’m not a huge non-fiction fan, but I’ve set a goal to read more biographies and memoirs, and that’s been a different experience altogether!

Fun Fact

On my bucket list is the goal of traveling to every continent. I’ve been to three continents already (traveled to Europe and Asia, born here in North America) and I have firm ideas on how to accomplish the remainders!

Summer 2025 Library Hours & Access

Due to concrete repair in front of the library and electrical work happening around campus, access to the Mudd Library this summer will be a little unusual.

Library access will be available as follows*:

June 24 – 27: Building access by appointment only, 8 am to 4 pm. Library staff will be available to help by phone or email. Materials may be requested through the catalog and sent through campus mail.

June 30 – July 7: Building closed and library staff are unavailable (following Lawrence’s summer schedule)

July 8 – 11: Building access by appointment only, 8 am to 4 pm. Library staff will be available to help by phone or email. Materials may be requested through the catalog and sent through campus mail.

July 15 – July 18: Building closed and with no access (due to electrical work). Library staff will be available to help by email. Materials may be requested through the catalog and sent through campus mail, but will not be retrieved until July 22.

July 22 – August 8: Building open again, Tuesday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, closed Saturday and Sunday

August 11 – August 29: Building open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, closed Saturday and Sunday

Prefer to see this laid out in calendar format? Take a look at the library calendar: https://thor.lawrence.edu/calendar/main.php?calendar=library&view=month

*Dates are subject to change depending on possible weather and construction delays.

Reid Scholarship Application Time

We’re accepting applications for the Reid Scholarship!

The Estelle Ray Reid Scholarship in Library Science was established from the estate of the former Appleton resident in 1961. The scholarship is awarded during the spring term and is meant to assist a student, past or present, planning to pursue the graduate study of Library Science.

Selection
A committee composed of three current library faculty members will evaluate submissions based on the applicant’s experience and apparent potential for success in the library profession as expressed in the written statement.

Application Procedure
An application including the following information and a written statement should be submitted to Gretchen Revie, Library Director, by April 12th, 2024.

  • Name
  • Lawrence University Graduating Class
  • Address
  • Phone
  • E-mail address
  • Major at Lawrence
  • Schools of Library and Information Science to which you have applied, and date of acceptance
  • Written Statement of up to one page which describes your reasons for entering the library profession, experience or training relevant to the field, and career expectations.

Get to know Josh!

Where did you grow up?

I’m originally from North Barrington, Illinois, which is located about an hour northwest of Chicago.

What did you study in school?

As an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, I studied History and Jewish Studies. I cherished classes that exposed me to new stories and perspectives. For my senior thesis, I examined graphic novels and memoirs and their expressions of Jewish American cultural heritage, identity, and generational exchange.

I later returned to the University of Illinois to pursue my Masters of Science in Library and Information Science. While in school, I served as a graduate assistant at the Center for Children’s Books, an interdisciplinary research center concentrated on supporting youth-focused educational professionals, librarianship, and scholarship.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I am an avid distance runner and appreciate any opportunity to explore the outdoors, particularly in Wisconsin (shout out to the Ice Age Trail). In addition, I enjoy experimenting with vegetarian cooking, attending theatrical productions, and trying my hand at jigsaw puzzles.

What is your favorite thing about working in a library?

One of the main reasons I think libraries are special is their intentional devotion to community. Collections, programming, and access all exist to elevate users’ unique interests. As a reference librarian, I’m excited to enrich this spirit by providing individual attention to students and encouraging new pathways for discovery and inquiry.

Favorite Graphic Novel:

Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá. If you ever need a comics recommendation, I would be more than happy to help!

Favorite Children’s Author/Illustrator:

Maurice Sendak

Get to Know Anna!

Have you met Anna Woerishofer, the library’s Interlibrary Loan and Circulation Assistant? If not, read on and learn more!

Where did you grow up?

Kimberly, Wisconsin

What did you study in school?

I went to UW-Fox Valley (now UWO-Fox Cities Campus), and UW Milwaukee. I received my bachelor’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies, and I minored in history

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I like to read, listen to podcasts, cook and bake, dog-sit, add to my plant collection, and spend time with my family and friends.

What is your favorite thing about working in a library?

I love being able to share my passion for reading and learning. My favorite thing about working in the Interlibrary Loan department is searching for rare, obscure, and old items in the various nooks and crannies of the internet.

Favorite Genre:

Historical fiction, history, and true crime.

Winter Break 2022 in the Mudd Library

We hope everyone is having a restful and cozy winter break and an exciting D-term!

As usual, your friends in the Mudd Library will be here for you for the first couple of weeks in December, then back in time for the start of winter term!

Winter Break Hours starting November 5th:

  • Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Closed Saturday and Sunday

The library will be closed from December 17th through January 2nd.

Regular school year hours will begin on January 3rd. See the library calendar for details.

Welcome Week 2022

Students from an open house waaaay back in 2014. A love of donut holes never changes.

We’re so excited to welcome new students to Lawrence University and the Mudd Library! Take a look at our schedule open hours and fun events for the week:

Monday, September 5

  • The library will be open from 10 am to 3 pm (Labor Day hours)
  • Visit us at the Services Fair in the Warch Campus Center between 11 am and 1 pm
  • Families and guests, need a place to relax? Stop by the Mudd for our Parent Drop-In between 1 pm and 3 pm

Tuesday, September 6-Friday, September 9: Library Hours are 8 am to 5 pm

Wednesday, September 7

  • Welcome for Waseda students from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm (updated from 11 am)

Thursday, September 8

  • Library Open House 1 pm to 3 pm: All new students should be sure to stop by for all kinds of fun giveaways, treats, games, crafts- and library tours happening on demand. Get to know your library and classmates on the most fun day of the year!

Saturday, September 10: Library Hours are 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday, September 11: Library Hours are 11 am to midnight (school year hours resume)

Want to get a head start in getting to know your Mudd Library? Take a look at the Learning About the Library guide! Still have questions? Ask us!

(post updated on 9/7/22 to include library hours)

Welcome, Claire!

Claire Cannell joined us at the end of July as our new University Archivist. You’ll see Claire at the library reference desk as well as up in the Archives (level B). We’re so happy that Claire has joined us! Read below to get a know a bit about her!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up near Portland, Oregon.

What did you study in school?

I received my bachelor’s in English from Portland State University, where I also minored in Medieval Studies. I recently completed my Master of Library and Information Science at University of Washington.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to read, play video games, spend time with friends and family, and explore new places. I also love learning to make/craft new things and especially enjoy cross stitch.

What is your favorite thing about working in a library?

I love meeting new people and getting to learn about their research interests and help them locate relevant materials. It’s allowed me to learn about so many new things.