Library News

Category: Library News

Exciting Changes in the Mudd Library

A tray of screws, nuts, and bolts and metal shelf parts on top of a library book shelf. Some filled and some empty shelves are in the background.

Your friends in the Mudd Library are excited to share some fun new changes to the first floor! This summer, we wrapped up the reference weeding and relocating project. We moved SO MANY books up to the main collection or weeded them for the big spring term book giveaway. Thanks to everyone who gave our weeded books new homes!

Our next step this summer is to dismantle the extra shelves, move some furniture around, and create more space for collaborative first floor work. In addition to adding more workspaces to the popular first floor, we’re also creating a better space for library events. This project will be completed by the start of fall term.

But that’s not all! Throughout the school year, we’ll be testing out furniture, gathering feedback, and making plans for library spaces that include long-awaited things like booths, movable tables and chairs, and portable charging options (just a few possible examples).

So, be sure to keep an eye out for opportunities to share your input on how we can make the Mudd Library an even more productive, cozy, and inviting space for the whole Lawrence Community!

Celebrating 50 Years of the Mudd Library

The Mudd Library building opened 50 years ago! In celebration, we’ve planned a whole week of festivities. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Seeley G. Mudd Library 50th Anniversary Celebration

“Remembering our past. Imagining our future.”

Monday, 5/18, 12:30 – 1:40pm: Lunchtime Music Recital
Join us for a special lunchtime performance by Conservatory students as we kick off the Mudd Library’s 50th Anniversary Week. Enjoy beautiful music and celebrate the creativity that has always been part of the library’s story.

Tuesday, 5/19, 4:45 – 6:00pm: Faculty Author Speed Dating
Meet faculty authors in a fast-paced, fun “speed dating” format! Learn about recent publications, discover new research happening across campus, and connect with the scholars who help make our intellectual community so vibrant.

Wednesday, 5/20, 4:30pm with remarks to begin at 5:00pm: Anniversary Open House
Help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mudd Library’s dedication. Explore highlights from the library’s history, and enjoy a short program reflecting on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. This event is open to the public. Join us!

Thursday, 5/21, 7:30 – 9:00pm: Library Trivia Night
Test your knowledge in a lively, library-themed Trivia Night! Bring a team or join one on the spot. Questions will span pop culture, campus history, library facts, and more. Prizes, bragging rights, and fun guaranteed.

Friday, 5/22, 2:30 – 4:30pm: Makerspace Open House
Stop by the newly refreshed Makerspace to explore equipment, chat with staff, and create a small commemorative item to celebrate Mudd’s 50 years. Whether you’re a regular maker or brand-new, all are welcome.

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.

Welcome, Katie!

Katie DeRuyter joined us in mid-July as the new library administrative assistant and we’re delighted that she’s here! To help everyone get to know her a bit, we asked her some questions.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up mostly in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, though I did learn what warmer weather in winter was like living a few years in Columbia, Missouri as a kid.

What did you study in school?

I received my Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from St. Norbert college in 2016. I am currently working on my Masters in Library Science online through University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.

What do you like to do in your free time?

No matter how busy I am I can usually find time to read, though with classes it can be a little difficult. I am also fairly involved in community theater as a Stage Manager and Sound Designer. When I don’t have a show I’m working on, I like to crochet, cross stitch, stream a video game, or go hiking with my husband.

What is your favorite thing about working in a library?

I recently came from a public library and I loved being able to help kids find something to read, especially when it was in a format other than a typical book. There is something that is so comforting being surrounded by so many different stories, even as it’s a little overwhelming knowing I’ll never get to read them all. It just means there are more options for every kind of reader!

Favorite Genre?

Sci-fi and Fantasy, both YA and adult

Welcome, Makayla!

We’re so happy to welcome Makayla Raley to the Mudd Library! Makayla is the newest member of the library staff, in the newest position! She’s our full time Circulation Services Assistant and Night Supervisor. To help everyone get to know her, we asked her a few questions:

Where did you grow up?

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

What did you study in school?

I got my Bachelors in English at the University of South Dakota in 2019 and I’m currently working on my Masters in Library and Information Science online at Emporia State University.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I don’t have that much free time at the moment since I have a full time job and I’m taking 2 online classes. But when I do have time, I like to read, browse social media, watch movies, hang out with friends, and play Animal Crossing on my Switch.

What is your favorite thing about working in a library?

I love being surrounded by books. When I’m in a library I’m happy and content. I also love being able to help people with book related questions and seeing the smile on their faces when I’ve been able to help them find the book that they were looking for.

Favorite Genre:

Science Fiction and Fantasy

Favorite author:

Neil Gaiman

Please join us in welcoming Makayla to Lawrence when you see her in the library!

End of School Year & Summer Hours

We made it through the 2021-2022 school year! It’s been a challenging year for many of us, but here we are on the cusp of summer. As usual, the library’s hours will be a little difference as final exams finish up and summer begins.

Finals week:

  • Monday-Tuesday, June 6-7: 8 am to 12 am
  • Wednesday, June 8: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Thursday-Friday, June 9-10: 8 am to 4 pm

Summer:

  • Beginning June 11th, we’ll be closed on weekends through the summer
    • With the exception of June 18th, when we’ll be open 10 am to 5 pm for reunion.
  • Beginning June 13th, Monday-Friday summer hours will be, 8 am to 4 pm
    • With the exception of the month of July, when we, along with other campus offices, will be closed on Fridays

As usual, we’ll be planning some fun coffeehouse sessions throughout the summer. Check the Summer Coffeehouse Series guide to see previous session topics and book recommendations. Be sure to check the guide later for this year’s dates and topics.

Your friends in the Mudd Library will also be here to help all summer.

  • Even if you’re off campus, current students, faculty, and staff can request interlibrary loan articles. Books and scores can be requested if you’re on campus or in the Appleton area. Learn more on the interlibrary loan page.
  • Reference librarians are here! Have a question, ask us!
  • The makerspace is open! Reach out to makerspace@lawrence.edu if you’d like to be trained, or if you’d like to have your access extended through the summer. (For current students, faculty, and staff).

“A Stone of Hope” Exhibit is Back in the Mudd Library

A Stone of Hope: Black Experiences in the Fox Cities returns to the second floor of the library through February.

We’re so honored to welcome back the exhibit, A Stone of Hope: Black Experiences in the Fox Cities, for the remainder of Black History Month (February). This exhibit explores Black history in the area, dating from the 1700s to present times.

Learn more about this exhibit, or see the complete digital version at the History Museum’s Stone of Hope webpage.

Community members are encouraged to look at the digital exhibit on the History Museum page, as the library is still only open to current LU students, faculty, and staff, due to Covid-19.

We hope everyone takes the opportunity to view this important exhibit, and learn about the contributions of and challenges faced by Black residents and visitors to the Fox Cities.

Mudd Library Tips for New and Returning Students

The start of a new school year is always an exciting time- and a great time to learn about all that your friends in the Mudd Library can do to help you succeed here at Lawrence University. To help you out, we’ve compiled some links and information to help you get started. As always, if you have any questions- ask us!

Quick Tips

  • The first floor is usually the noisiest and the fourth is the quietest. There are a variety of study spaces on all floors.
  • Your Lawrence ID is your library card.
  • Again- it’s our job to help you- don’t be afraid to ask!
  • Summer hours are Monday-Friday 8 am to 4 pm.
  • When the school year begins, the library is open Monday-Thursday 8 am to 1 am, Friday 8 am to 11 pm, Saturday 10 am to 11 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 1 am.

Helpful Links

  • Search OneSearch to find things like books and academic articles.
  • Your Lawrence I.D. serves as your library card to check stuff out from the library–be sure to bring it with you. Checkout periods are 28 days for books and scores for students, 14 days for CDs, 7 days for videos and DVDs. The library also circulates a variety of equipment.
  • Take a look at the group and individual study spaces in the library.
  • Find your way around with our mobile-friendly virtual tour!
  • You can print, copy, and scan in the library.
  • Learn about the types of materials, and types of equipment you can check out.
  • Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn about the library, events, new items, and more!
  • See who we are– chances are you’ll be seeing a lot of us during your time at Lawrence.
  • Looking for a job? See available jobs in Lawrence Link.

Getting stuff from the library

  • Books, DVDs, musical scores, and other materials are sometimes placed on course reserve by professors and are available behind the Circulation Desk. Electronic reserves can be accessed by logging in to your library account.
  • The Makerspace provides all students with access to equipment and tools to enhance the creativity of their academic work. Located on the first floor of the library. See the makerspace guide to learn all about it.
  • A Reference Librarian is available at the reference desk many hours a day during the school year and over breaks. Ask us questions! That’s why we’re here! Reference Librarians are also happy to arrange research appointments with students.
  • Need something from another library? You can place a request electronically by logging in to your interlibrary loan account or by clicking the Find It button when searching our databases.
  • Explore our collections by coming to the library and wandering around or take a look at our collections pages. We have a ton of great stuff to help you with your coursework.

Spring Term Events and News

Building:

As the plants outside the Mudd are slowly opening up, so is the library!

  • The first floor has now been reopened for browsing! This means you can select musical scores, DVDs, CDs, and more from first floor collections and bring them right up to the circulation desk to check out! No holds required for first floor collections!
  • Update: Level A (between floors 1 & 2) is now open! This floor has lot of great study spaces and periodicals.
  • Stay tuned to our social media for news on the 3rd and 4th floor collections. These spaces are still closed for safety.
  • We’ve added more chairs to first floor tables, expanding seating to two individuals per table.
  • The building still requires LU ID card access and is limited to current students, faculty, and staff
  • The newly-renovated second floor, home to the Center for Academic Success and Information Technology Services, is open for access to those departments as well as socially-distanced quiet study!

Events:

We’ll be continuing two of our favorite weekly events through Spring term!

LU Reads: Join us on Wednesday evenings from 7-7:30 Central on Zoom. For spring term, we’ll be doing a read-aloud of the Fox Cities Reads title, George by Alex Gino. Learn more on the LU Reads Guide.

Fiber Arts & Chat: **Updated to change date and time** Each Friday, starting at 4:00 PM Central, join your friends from the Mudd and fiber arts enthusiasts from all around campus, for some knitting/crocheting/etc. and fun conversation! This event also takes place over Zoom.

Table inside the library with a sign that reads, "Please limit to 2 persons per table." The window near the table shows many yellow daffodil flowers blooming and the Wriston art galleries building in the background.
It’s springtime in the Mudd!

Zoom Extras for Winter Term from your Seeley G. Mudd Librarians

Your librarians and library staff want to stay connected with you, whether you’re able to come into our spaces or not. To that end, we’re offering multiple opportunities to hang out via Zoom, either to work together academically or to casually chat and see one another.

Please join us at any or all of these weekly events!

Sundays from 4 pm to 8 pm
Virtual Mudd: Open Study Hall

Meet your friends in the Mudd to study, virtually! The motivation you need to get to work and a reference librarian ready to assist. You’ll have the option to break-out into group study spaces, perfect for collaborating with your group or connecting with your friends.

Join our virtual study hall here.

Wednesdays from 7 to 7:30 pm
LU Reads with Spiritual and Religious Life and EDST 270: Why Read Children’s Books?

Brew some tea, grab a blanket, and cozy up to enjoy being read to by some of your favorite folks on campus. We love to read and we’d love to read to you! All ages are welcome. Learn more about the books and readers on the LU Reads guide.

We’ll read to you here.

Fridays at 4 pm
Fiber Arts and Chat

Grab a craft project, an art project, a puzzle, your knitting, or, just come to hang out and chat.

Get crafty and chatty with us here.

We miss having so many of you in our building, and we look forward to seeing you on Zoom! Reach out if you have any questions.