2023 Winter Friendly Correspondence Newsletter

Friends of the Otterbein University Courtright Memorial Library

VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1

WINTER 2023

Friends of the Library Day Proclaimed!

Common Book

50th Anniversary

At the Friends of the Library Common Book Author Event on October 26th, a proclamation was revealed declaring October 27th to be Friends of the Otterbein University Courtright Memorial Library Day! The text of the proclamation reads:

Whereas, Friends of the Otterbein University Courtright Memorial Library raise money that enables our library to move from good to great – providing additional resources to support special collections, additional programming and special events throughout the year;

Whereas, the work of the Friends highlights on an on-going basis the fact that our library serves as the intellectual center of campus — connecting students with the thoughts, ideas, and intellectual contributions of others from ages past and to the present;

Whereas, the Friends understand the critical importance of a well funded library and work to articulate that importance to ensure that our library gets the resources it needs to provide a wide variety of services including access to print and electronic materials, along with expert assistance in research;

Officers:

Margaret DoonePresident

Mary Pat KnightVice President

Rebecca O'NeilSecretary

Tiffany LipstreuTreasurer

Whereas, the very gift of the Friends’ time and commitment to the library sets an example for all in how volunteerism leads to positive civic engagement and the overall betterment of campus life;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that President Comerford proclaims October 27, 2022, as Friends of the Otterbein University Courtright Memorial Library Day, and urges everyone on campus to join and support the Friends of the Library and thank them for all they do to enrich our library and, therefore, enhance academic achievement.

Congratulations, Friends! You deserve a day in your honor!

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha Wows PAGE 2

The Friends of the Library had the honor of hosting Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, author of What the Eyes Don't See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City, this year's Common Book. Dr. Mona participated in a question and answer session, moderated by Dr. Colette Masterson, Associate Director of New Student Transitions. Dr. Mona talked about the current state of Flint's water, how becoming a whistleblower impacted her life, and how important it is that people speak up when they see something that is wrong.

After the question and answer session, Dr. Mona revealed her author portrait and signed it. The author portrait will join the others on second floor of the library, after a year of being displayed by itself on the lower Common Book wall. The portrait is up now and can be viewed at any time. After signing her portrait, Dr. Mona signed the books of the attendees, and then had to leave in order to testify before Congress the following day. Before she left, she made a point of saying that Otterbein has the best Common Book program that she has participated in; she was impressed by the wall of authors and the additional programming surrounding the Common Book.

This program was the first in-person Friends of the Library Common Book author event since 2019. It was a pleasure to be able to visit with an author in-person, rather than having a virtual event. After the question and answer session, a small reception was held as well. We hope you will be able to join us for next year's Common Book author event - book and author to be announced in our summer Friendly Correspondance!

Dr. Mona revealing her author portrait

David Stucki and Colette Masterson, co-chairs of the Common Book program, with Dr. Mona

Otterbein Singers Theme Announced

The Otterbein Singers concert, which is a benefit for the Friends of the Library, will take place on March 19th, 2023, at the Church of the Master starting at 7:30pm. This year's theme has been revealed as "There and Back Again", featuring classic and contemporary musical theatre pieces about leaving home to go on a journey and coming back again. Make sure you add this event to your calendar - it's always a magical evening!

Special Homecoming Event

The Library celebrated its 50th anniversary at Homecoming with a special, invitation-only party. The party began with the rededication of the library by President John Comerford, including an unveiling of a new plaque recognizing A. Monroe Courtright for naming the library after his parents, Robert and Ada. After the rededication, people were able to split off and participate in different activities around the library, including behind-the-scenes tours, videos on the history and future of the

library, an opportunity to record an oral history about your memories of the library, and a luncheon. The event was well-attended, with former employees, former student employees, Friends of the Library, and a variety of special guests all present. If you were able to join us, we hope you had a wonderful time, and we look forward to 50 more years with you!

The Courtright family in front of the library

The 2022 Otterbein Singers from last year's concert

Join the Friends of the Library

Friends with library borrowing privileges enjoy many benefits. Listed below are a complete list of benefits afforded to members.

BORROWING PRIVILEGES AT THE COURTRIGHT MEMORIAL LIBRARY (CML) - You may receive a CML card, providing you the ability to check out library materials

ACCESS TO MATERIALS BORROWED THROUGH OUR CONSORTIUMS, OPAL AND OHIOLINK - This gives you the ability to request materials from academic libraries throughout the state of Ohio.

ACCESS TO INTERLIBRARY LOAN SERVICE - You will be able to request materials that are not held by the Courtright Memorial Library or any of our consortium member libraries.

SUBSCRIPTION TO THE BI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER, FRIENDLY CORRESPONDENCE - The newsletter will keep you up-to-date on events and news pertaining to the Friends and the CML.

SPECIAL INVITATIONS TO FRIENDS-SPONSORED EVENTS - Be the first to know about author talks, musical events, and other special occasions sponsored by the Friends.

VOTING RIGHTS AT THE ANY FRIENDS BUSINESS MEETING AND THE ABILITY TO SERVE ON THE FRIENDS BOARD OF TRUSTEES - You will have a say in what the Friends of the Library do to help promote and support Otterbein's Courtright Memorial Library, students, and the Otterbein community.

... More Benefits To Come

Welcome, Rebecca and Katie!

The library is pleased to welcome two new employees, Rebecca Kyser (left), the Visiting Information Literacy Librarian while Rares Piloiu is on a leave of absence, and Katie Albright (right), the new Student Success Librarian. If you see them in the library, be sure to welcome them to Otterbein!

Courtright Memorial Library

Otterbein University

1 S. Grove Street

Westerville, OH 43081

otterbein.libguides.com/friends

Prepared by Kirsten

Peninger