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As you can read in our newsletter, YOUR library has plenty to offer: new books and games ordered, friendly librarians/staff/and student workers, cool equipment to use and check out, exciting activities and exhibitions, curated online resources, a commitment to social justice/sustainability/and inclusiveness, and welcoming spaces.

For the last newsletter of the 2023-2024 academic year, I want to highlight and thank our wonderful senior student workers and interns who are graduating in May. We are incredibly proud of them and wish them all success and happiness. Please enjoy reading the profiles of our current student workers.

Coming soon to the library – an online map of the library with bookable study rooms, our seed library, a new library website, and two new additions to the library staff.

We are grateful to the campus community for supporting the library.

Have an amazing end of the semester and enjoy the summer break.

Millie

We're thrilled to announce that the Whittemore Library has been awarded a grant to host the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association (ALA)’ s traveling exhibition - Americans and the Holocaust. The official press release of the tour describes the exhibition:

“The 1,100-square-foot exhibition examines various aspects of American society: the government, the military, refugee aid organizations, the media and the general public. Drawing on a remarkable collection of primary sources from the 1930s and ’40s, the exhibition tells the stories of Americans who acted in response to Nazism. It provides a portrait of American society that shows how the Depression, isolationism, xenophobia, racism and antisemitism shaped responses to Nazism and the Holocaust.”

The exhibition will be displayed at the Whittemore Library from Sept.3 - Oct.15, 2024.

Stay tuned for our exhibition dates and program schedule!

We will be celebrating Earth Day on April 22 with the return of the Whittemore Seed Library! What's a seed library? A seed library supports sustainability. Read all about it in our libguide. Stay tuned for an announcement of when the Whittemore Seed Library will open for the season!

For additional resources for Earth Day, please check out the recommended books and/or go to our LibGuides:

https://libguides.framingham.edu/environmentalscience
https://libguides.framingham.edu/c.php?g=524806
https://libguides.framingham.edu/c.php?g=917317

Each year, the Library awards a $500 scholarship to a full-time undergrad student library assistant. The student must submit an application, letter of recommendation, and an essay on how the Library has impacted their academic career and how they have contributed to the Library’s mission.

This year we are pleased to announce that Olivia Alexander and Susanna Krantz have been selected as the recipients of the David McCord Scholarship. Both students work in the Circulation Department. Please join us in wishing Olivia and Susanna continued success throughout their academic careers.

Congrats Olivia and Susanna! A very well-deserved recognition.

Do you need to scan documents? Look no further... the Library now has a book-edge scanner! Free and easy to use. The scanner is located on the Upper Mezzanine (near the Digital Humanities area).

Since 2017, the culture of Arab Americans has been observed during the month of April. However, on March 31, 2023, President Biden proclaimed that April was officially designated as Arab American Heritage Month. During this annual commemoration, the culture and achievements of Arab Americans will be recognized and their contributions to this country will be celebrated.

Our Librarians and staff have compiled important information and resources for you.

Please review our libguide where you will find valuable info and resources on this topic.

Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month pays tribute to generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders and their contributions to this country. Congress enacted a law in 1992 to designate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Our Librarians and staff have compiled important information and resources for you.

Please review our libguide where you will find valuable info and resources on this topic.

Please read our blog for more resources and listings of books on this topic available at the Whittemore Library.

Celebrate the culture of generations of Jewish Americans. Jewish American Heritage Month has been celebrated since 2006 and highlights over 350 years of Jewish contributions to American culture.

Our Librarians and staff have compiled important information and resources for you.

Please review our libguide where you will find valuable info and resources on this topic.

Please read our blog for more resources and listings of books on this topic available at the Whittemore Library.

The movement to promote the critical importance and benefits of good mental health was first observed in the United States in 1949. On April 28, 2023, President Biden proclaimed that May is officially National Mental Health Awareness Month. He stated, "I call upon citizens, government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other groups to join in activities and take action to strengthen the mental health of our communities and our Nation."

Our Librarians and staff have compiled important information and resources for you.

Please read our blog for valuable resources on this topic.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the National Suicide and Crisis Helpline is available 24/7.

Dial 988 from any phone to get immediate help.

You can learn more at: https://988lifeline.org/.

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is available 24/7.

Call or text 833-773-2445.

To learn more, visit https://www.masshelpline.com/.

We're always interested to learn how our patrons engage and interact with the Library. On March 25, we forwarded a brief, 5-minute library engagement survey to faculty, staff and students. Thank you to everyone who responded - your responses will help us to create and develop future engagement opportunities.

Of those who chose to participate, we are awarding FSU logo prizes to nine lucky participants!

A. Singh

Y. Gamez
M. Rokicki
K. Traywick
D. Abe
J. Smith
J. McLaughlin
L. Parker
S. Adhibhatta

The Library just added new and exciting games to our collection of great books, databases, and academic resources. You can check out games like: Mahjong, Tokaido, Dungeons & Dragons, Bananagrams, Mancala, Battleship and many more!

Find them at the Circulation Desk on the 1st Floor.

Along with our large quiet study room in Room 118 on the 1st Floor, there are 9 private study rooms in the Library: 4 individual study rooms on the Ground Floor, 2 group study rooms on the Lower Mezzanine and 3 individual study rooms on the Upper Mezzanine. The group and individual study rooms can be reserved! Students can book a room for up to 2 hours at a time. (Note: Study room G05 on the Ground Floor can not be reserved; it is available on a walk-in basis.)

Find more info and our study space policies here. Find the links to reserve a room on our website.

We post a fun question on our whiteboard in the lobby on the 1st Floor. We've received an overwhelming response and some awesome (sometimes funny and eye-opening!) answers.

Here's a sample of some of the questions we've asked the FSU community this semester:

Stop by the Library lobby and add a few pieces to the Harry Potter puzzle!

Hi! My name is Christina Galvao Amado. I grew up in Brockton, Massachusetts. I will graduate from FSU in Fall 2025. I'm majoring in Marketing with a minor in Business Administration. My career aspirations at the moment are to better equip myself with skills and knowledge to boost my career in better helping companies brand themselves and analyze the market.

I enjoy learning new hobbies, so right now what I've learned so far is to crotchet which is very therapeutic as a college student. Also, I'm currently learning to skateboard. On campus, I'm involved with "Bible Talk", a Christian fellowship, and "Let's Talk about it Thursday" that promotes women's mental health. My favorite album currently that I'm repeatedly listening to is "To the searching, The Lost and The Found" by Riders & Cricut Rider Music. I enjoy British Rom-Com movies like "Bridget Jones Diary".

My role in the library is a circulation desk assistant that helps all patrons that come into the library - the majority tend to be student and faculty, of course. My favorite things about working at the Henry Whittemore Library is the tranquility it has. I enjoy going there as a student, especially to study. Also, interactions with new faces or familiar ones lightens up my day, such as coworkers or helping a patron.

Hello! My name is Amanda Moriarty and I’m from Chicopee, MA. I am a sophomore health and wellness major focusing on public health graduating in 2026. My career aspirations would be to become a community health worker or an epidemiologist.

Some of my hobbies include reading, shopping, and baking. I also love to walk my dog when I’m at home. She is a Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix who has been with my family since I was in the fourth grade!

My favorite TV show is "The Vampire Diaries". Some of my favorite movies include "The Truman Show" and "Interstellar". My favorite books would have to be "The Book Thief" and "Alone with You in the Ether". I like to listen to all types of music, but my favorite artists are Lana Del Rey, Frank Ocean, and Taylor Swift.

I have been a Circulation Assistant at the library since my start at Framingham State as a freshman. Each shift I typically check in and out books, do some of the shelving and paging lists, and answer any questions patrons may have. My favorite thing about working in the library is getting to interact with people who I may have not if I didn’t work there. It’s always nice to meet another friendly face!

My name is Vinny Centrella and I am a Freshman here at FSU. I am a History Major from West Bridgewater. At a very young age, I developed an interest in History, particularly American history. Over time, however, this passion shifted to genealogy, and I began researching my own family history.

Working Tuesdays through Thursdays at the university’s archives has given me a better understanding of what a “day in the life of an archivist” looks like, as I hope to be some sort of historian or archivist in the future. The job also gives me a deeper appreciation for our school and how it has changed over so many years.

Besides learning about the past, I enjoy photography and playing golf. I also recently joined a Bible study on campus, which has been an enlightening experience, and I am part of the History Club.

The Technical Services department at Whittemore Library works collaboratively with many other departments within the library to provide timely and accurate discovery of all the resources in our various collections to our students, faculty and the greater global community. Once purchased or gifted to our library, all materials are managed in Tech Services. Our responsibilities include cataloging, data entry and physical processing of these materials and many other special projects. We also work closely with the University’s Digital Repository to make those unique collections findable. If we get a book, an iPad, games, a bag of rocks or some puppets, we want you to be able to find it and use it. We may be behind the scenes, but we are busy!

I’m Suzanne Meunier and I’m the Head of Technical Services at Whittemore Library. I have been working at FSU for 25 years. I recently received my Professional Learning Certification in Genealogical Studies (American Records) from the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. In my free time I enjoy raising orchids, a few varieties of finches, spending time with my cats and family, and working on my family tree.

Hi. I’m Debbie Hogan, Periodicals Supervisor, and I also work in the Technical Services Department. In the Periodicals Department, I maintain the print journals as well as order online journals. In Tech Services, I process new materials before they are put out for public use as well as withdraw old books before they are either recycled or relocated. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, doing family history, doing projects around my house, reading, puzzles and traveling.

Meet Greg Dawson, the newest member of our Access Services Department - he is the new Access Services Librarian.

Greg is a recent transplant to Massachusetts from Austin, Texas. He has worked in academic libraries for over 10 years and is excited to join the Whittemore Team. In his free time, Greg enjoys reading, television and movies, and exploring all that New England has to offer.

Welcome to the fRAMily, Greg!

Email: gdawson1@framingham.edu
Phone: 508-626-4027

In February 1926, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), founded by Carter G. Woodson, celebrated the first Negro History Week. Observations continued for many years and in 1976, it was expanded into Black History Month.

(source: https://blackhistorymonth.gov/About.html)

Check out our blog and the libguides below for resources available from the Whittemore Library -

Whittemore Library Black History Month LibGuide: Find a wide variety of resources and links to research materials about Black History Month compiled by the Whittemore Library librarians.

Whittemore Library Black Lives Matter LibGuide: Learn about the Black Lives Matter Movement with this collection of resources compiled by the Whittemore Library librarians.

On January 25, Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, author, educator, producer and daughter of Malcolm X visited FSU as the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration and Lecture. Afterwards, Dr. Shabazz visited the Library to view an exhibit “Civil Rights Change Makers in Massachusetts” which was created by Kathleen Barnard, Student Engagement Coordinator, and Librarian Sam Westall. The exhibit features the work Dr. Shabazz’s mother and father, and Dr. Martin Luther King, did in the State.

In 1987, Congress passed a resolution proclaiming March as Women’s History Month. The contributions and achievements of all women are celebrated through the month.

(source: https://womenshistorymonth.gov/About.html) Women’s History Month celebrates the varied and unique life experiences of all women. Our Librarians and staff have compiled important information and resources for you. Please check out our libguide and blog for valuable info and resources.

Celebrated International Women's Day with the women of the Whittemore Library on March 8!

Pictured below, l-r:

top row: Millie Gonzalez, Rebecca Dowgiert, Barbara Ambos, Kim Carney, Samantha Westall

2nd row: Lori Wolfe, Suzanne Meunier, Sandra Rothenberg, Colleen Maxfield, Nancy Hanley

3rd row: Deb Hogan, Kate Burt, Kathleen Barnard, Katie Sweeney

bottom row: Kate Davis, Colleen Previte

Once again, the Research & Learning department hosted Workshop Wednesdays. This semester the sessions featured RamSearch and Zotero. The sessions were hosted both in-person and online. Ramsearch is a tool for searching the library’s databases, online resources, and books. Zotero is a free citation management tool that can help organize research.

The No Homework Book Club was created for people who love to read and talk about books. There is no book assignment and no predetermined list of discussion questions - just an informal gathering of readers who get together in Library Room UM14 to chat about the books they've been reading. Everyone from the campus community is welcome to participate.

The Library's No Homework Book Club was so successful during the Fall semester that our hosts Kathleen Barnard and Kim Carney kept the fun going with 3 more meetings in the the Spring semester. Most of the books that were discussed are listed in our blog.

We hope you'll join the Club when it returns in the Fall!

Library Dean Millie Gonzalez worked the Library's table at the annual campus Fresh Check event - an event that provides wellness and mental health resources to students. She provided info on the resources that the Library offers to students.

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that our esteemed colleague, Student Engagement Coordinator Kathleen Barnard, has moved on to another position outside of FSU. We thank her for being an integral member of the library team for more than 2 years. We are indebted to Kathleen for her creation of student focused initiatives that greatly improved student engagement at the library and for the valuable contributions she made to the campus community. Her efforts have made a lasting, positive impact on not only FSU and the library, but also on the Library staff, both personally and professionally. As we bid Kathleen farewell, we wish her all the best as she embarks on her new journey!

We recently celebrated the annual National Library Week with many fun, interesting and beneficial events. Hope you were able to participate and enjoy them.

This year's theme was"Ready, Set, Library!"!

Four creatively decorated cakes were entered into the annual literary cake contest.

The winners were:

1st Place: The Big Red Barn, decorated by the Child Development Lab

2nd Place: The Great Eggscape, decorated by Samantha Westall, Curriculum Librarian

3rd Place: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, decorated by Greg Dawson, Access Services Librarian and his son, Max

Honorable Mention: The Dot, decorated by Colleen Previte, Archivist, Special Collections Librarian

Congratulations to all the cake makers and decorators, and thank you all for stopping by to vote and enjoy these scrumptious cakes!

Susan Clark, Reiki master from Heal from Within, led a relaxing and meditative sound bath session. This practice uses resonant music to guide people into meditation that will help people reduce stress, tension and anxiety.

Library careers are for everybody!

A virtual career panel presentation with time for Q&A was held on Zoom. The presentation was offered for students at all Massachusetts public colleges and universities. The presentation was sponsored by the Massachusetts Commonwealth Consortium of Libraries in Public Higher Education Institutions (MCCLPHEI).

Works of art from talented FSU faculty and staff are now on display in the lobby of the Library until May 5. We'd like to thank the following for contributing their amazing pieces to the display:

• Robert Alter, Associate Professor of Art: Art & Music Department
  
• Patricia Bossange, Director, Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs
• Jeanne Deree, Associate Vice President Fiscal Affairs
  
• Rebecca Dowgiert, Scholarly Communications Librarian
• Sheryl Jacob, Transportation Driver
• Robin Kurkomelis, Assistant to the Dean of Students
• Colleen Maxfield, Acquisitions Library Assistant
• Meghan Maxfield, Office Manager: Nutrition & Health Studies, Mathematics Departments
  
• Colleen Previte, Special Collections Librarian & Archivist
• Sarah Sagan, ITS User Services/Help Desk Associate
  
• Tamar Segev, Visting Lecture: Communication, Media & Performance Department
• Kristin Snow, Processing Clerk: Admissions Department
  

An OER legislative breakfast was held in the alumni room.

A special virtual presentation entitled "Getting To Know OER Commons and the Open Massachusetts Repository" was held for faculty on Zoom.

Stop by the bookcase in the Library lobby (right outside of the Red Barn Cafe) and check out the array of Faculty Publications!

Our McNaughton collection features new and popular fiction and nonfiction books. Stop by the Library to browse our McNaughton shelves and find your new favorite book!

Now on the McNaughton shelves:

My Name Was Eden by Eleanor Barker-White

The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

The Women by Kristin Hannah

The Rumor Game by Thomas Mullen

Crosshairs by James Patterson

The Things We Didn't Know by Elba Iris Perez

The Deerfield Massacre by James Swanson

The Last Days of the Midnight Ramblers by Sarah Tomlinson

What Have We Here by Billy Dee Williams

For more information and links for these titles, go to our blog.

Below are some more great titles to be on the lookout for this Summer! (Release dates subject to change.)

⭐ Coming Soon! ⭐

🎵 Listen to great songs by great artists!

Click on Alex's Audio Lab above to hear music curated by our own Alex Young . 🎵

Take the time to de-stress and relax! Make a reservation online today for our Renew Space and meet our therapy kitty, Milo. Just scan the QR code to reserve your session! Then stop by our front desk with your reservation email and pick up the room key (and prayer rug if needed). (Note: One person in the room per session, no food, tidy up after your visit, use headphones, and return the key to the front desk.)

From May 11 to September 3:

Library Building -

Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Research & Learning -

Reference Librarians are available to assist you during the following days/times:

Monday - Thursday: 10:30am - 4:30pm

Friday: 10:30am - 2:30pm

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

* Exceptions:

Memorial Day: Closed Monday, May 27.

Juneteenth: Closed Wednesday, June 19.

Independence Day: Closed Thursday, July 4.

Labor Day: Closed Monday, September 2

- For complete listing, please see our hours page - days/hours may vary for holidays and intersessions. For contact info, please see our website.

Information about the Library's policies regarding access, borrowing, reference, interlibrary loan, circulation of materials, reserves, confidentiality of records, fines, public computers, diversity, and censorship can be found in this guide.

Answers to frequently asked questions are available in this guide.

We look forward to seeing you at the Library!

Follow us (@WhittemoreLib) on social media and our blog to learn more about Library events, acquisitions, changes to our hours of operation, and to keep up with the latest news from the Whittemore Library!

Library Blog: https://libguides.framingham.edu/Blog

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whittemorelib

This newsletter is created by the editor, Kate Burt, and published by Library Dean Millie Gonzalez. If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions about this newsletter, please reach out to us.

Thank you.

Editor Kate Burt

Email: kburt2@framingham.edu
Website: https://www.framingham.edu/academics/henry-whittemore-library/