Gustavus Library

Communications major and Info Desk peer supervisor Phing Xiong highly recommends working at the library. “I’ve enjoyed the conversations and people I’ve met from working at the library.… everyone was different and brought something interesting.” It’s a good thing this tea drinker has had a front-row seat to Tea Tuesdays, as chamomile is his beverage of choice. (Just don’t have him pronounce it—the prankster will try to convince you it’s something else entirely!) Phing’s favorite fictional character is Itachi from Naruto. If you haven’t seen it, Phing recommends it to everyone. Watch it with a bowl of cookies and cream ice cream. According to Phing, the best place on campus is “anywhere you have your people.” Thanks for being one of our people, Phing; we wish all our seniors and the entire Class of 2026 all the best as you finish your time at Gustavus in the coming week!

Did you know that the Gustavus Library now has low-lit and mid-lit study rooms where adjustable lighting is also available? As you're cramming for finals and looking for a good spot to camp out this week, keep your eyes peeled for these signs that indicate different lighting options!

Today we join the entire campus community in celebrating the inauguration of our 18th president, John Volin. When Dr. Volin started last summer, the library purchased a collection of books in his honor, choosing recently published academic works to represent each discipline taught at Gustavus. Those books are currently on display in the library's Hasselquist Room, and all are available for patrons to use! Congratulations to Dr. Volin, his wife Valeria, and their family on this momentous occasion.

Next up in our Senior Spotlights is psychology and Spanish major McKenna Rooney. McKenna credits supervisor Allison and her coworkers with making the job fun and appreciates “getting recommendations from patrons on books to read” while working at the Info Desk. McKenna is team coffee and also team library—her favorite hangout spot on campus is the library because “it’s so peaceful and truly has spaces for everyone, no matter what they may need.” She will never stop recommending Demon Copperhead (Barbara Kingsolver) or chocolate ice cream. Her favorite fictional character, Percy Jackson, is a nostalgic pick: “He’s witty, relatable, kind, and endlessly human. I grew up alongside him and always find myself drawn back to his adventures.” We wish you all the best on your future adventures, McKenna!

The first of our Senior Spotlights this year just so happens to coincide with Student Employee Appreciation Week! Meet Breckin Cathers, who will be graduating next month with a degree in biology and a minor in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. Breckin enjoys their library coworkers and having "access to lots of books," of course! Breckin started drinking coffee in high school and wouldn't change a thing with that daily habit; their favorite dessert is brownies, and their favorite hangout spots on campus are their room and the "second floor of the library facing Old Main." Becca from the Pitch Perfect franchise is Breckin's pick for favorite fictional character, admirable for her independence and cool style. For those on the Heated Rivalry bandwagon, Breckin also recommends the Windy City series by Liz Tomforde and encourages their friends to join in watching NCIS. We appreciate you, Breckin!

It's no joke--now that April is here, that means the end of the semester is just around the corner! If you're feeling stressed already, look forward to Friday Finish at the library on April 24th. Relax and refuel with us, and try your "hand" at making a sock puppet or two!

Craft-curious? Join the Gustie Grannies student group on the main (second) floor of the library this Thursday anytime between 11:30 and 1:00 to knit, crochet, or watch in awe as people manipulate yarn into actual objects! Attendees will be eligible to win a prize.

Come to the library this afternoon at 3:30 for a Feminist Fika and teach-in about censorship and book bans, especially regarding the current bill that has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Come to the main floor of the library this Thursday for some special Gustie Storytime sessions! Four professors will be reading aloud to help us celebrate the end of I Love to Read Month. Bring your own blanket and feel like a kid again as you take a break from your regular Thursday activities.
Sponsored by the library's Student Advisory Board

Did you know the library is participating in the Great Gustie Read? Stop by today and any Tea Tuesday this semester for a special DEAR time at 11:30--read The Good Life at your own pace, and enjoy some extra snacks!