News from the Mudd

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.

Constitution Day 2022

Close up shot of what is displayed in the case for Constitution day. A facsimile of the Constitution is visible as well as a corner of the timeline to the Constitution.

September 17, 2022 marks the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America. That day in 1787 saw the establishment of the country’s new government, just over a year after independence from Great Britain was declared. It would take almost 2 more years, March 4th 1789, for the new form of government outlined in the Constitution to take effect legally.


As a school that receives Federal funds, Lawrence is required to display information about the Constitution on the anniversary of it’s signing. But just because it’s required doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Check out our display located just outside the Lincoln Room here in the Seeley G. Mudd Library for more information about the Constitution and this annual celebration. There are also opportunities to join virtual programming held in Philadelphia today and tomorrow!

Photo of the display case the Constitution Day display resides in. Books are on top of the display, cars can be seen on the street outside the window behind the case. A placard with Constitution day information is in the foreground with a link to constitutioncenter.org where all virtual events are hosted.

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.

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!

Summer Coffeehouse Series 2022

It’s time once again for the library’s summer coffeehouse series! We’re meeting in person, with masks optional outside and required for our indoor sessions. We’ll provide a cool beverage and a snack. If you’re unfamiliar with the coffeehouses, they provide an opportunity to socialize just a bit and to learn about resources and services available to help you with work or leisure interests. We start promptly at 10:00 and end at 10:45. All members of the Lawrence community are welcome to attend.

July 13: Summer Reads (outdoor, weather permitting)
The ever-popular Summer Reading coffeehouse returns! Planning your beach reading? Got your own summer reading underway? Come and hear about favorite reads from library staff and whoever else shows up. It could – and should – be you!

July 27: Welcome to the Makerspace (indoor)
Have you been hoping to use the Makerspace with your coursework or academic work but not sure how? Come to this coffeehouse session to learn about the ways your colleagues have been using 3D printers, sewing machines, the laser cutter, and more to incorporate hands-on learning and help their students reach their curricular goals in subjects all over campus.

August 10: Let’s Talk Cookbooks (outdoor, weather permitting)
If you like to cook, you probably have more than one favorite cookbook. Maybe baking and cooking helped you make it through the worst of the pandemic. In any case, we’re taking time to talk about our favorite cookbooks–and our favorite food writing–and discover more.

See previous summer coffeehouse book, cookbook, and podcast recommendations (and more!) on the Summer Coffeehouse Series research guide.