Last-minute research scavenger hunts, uninterrupted catnaps, music at midnight and rushed print jobs define the relationship between students and the Harold B. Lee Library. But this week, students can expect more love than ever from the library as free T-shirts, candy and prizes are handed out to those wishing to take their Lee Library relationship to the next level.
Love Your Library week runs Monday through Thursday as all of campus is invited to participate in daily challenges to win gift cards, visit the open house in L. Tom Perry Special Collections and on Thursday, 400 students can return their devotion with a giant hug.
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“The library is the heart of campus and we want to demonstrate that to more students than ever before,” Nye said. “What better way to show that love and unity than with a giant hug in the spirit of St. Valentine?”
Special Collections will host an open house on Monday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and display unique items from the vault. Students will discover Victorian Valentines, a missionary journal detailing the Nazi invasion, a first edition Book of Mormon and other materials. Light refreshments will also be provided and the library activities will continue throughout the week.
Roger Layton, the communications manager for the library, said the inspiration behind Love Your Library week was to reach two groups of students. They include those that love the Lee Library and those that see the library as an intimidating place; now they can dispel misconceptions and show appreciation for students.
“There are those students who have their favorite, secret places to study and those that are intimidated because it’s bigger than their high school,” Layton said. “This way we help students realize what a useful place the library truly is.”
Cali O’Connell, manager of promotion and outreach, also said the daily challenges, candy and prizes are to encourage interaction between students and the resources the library has to offer.
“Not only do students love the library, but the library employees love to help students,” O’Connell said.
Alycia Pringle, a senior from Ames, Iowa, saw a poster in the library for Love Your Library week and is looking forward to the upcoming events.
“It sounds interesting and cool to piggy-back on the week of Valentine’s Day,” Pringle said. “Hugging the library should be fun and I love getting free stuff.”
Photo challenges, scavenger hunts and mystery call number games are just a few of the daily activities planned. Students will receive a surprise gift for completing the day’s challenge by 4 p.m. and enter into a drawing for $50 gift cards.
“We’d love to have as many students participate as possible,” Nye said. “It’s a light-hearted way to have fun on campus with the Valentine’s Day spirit.”
