Fondren celebrates 60

By Lawanda Turner     10/29/09 7:00pm

Fondren Library may not see many parties, but as its 60-year anniversary approaches, the storied library will soon be hosting its own shindig. On Wednesday, Fondren's anniversary festivities will include parties for students, staff members and a panel focusing on the library's evolution. The event is sponsored by the Friends of Fondren Library, a supportive branch of the library that funds its collections and facilities.

The celebration will begin with a panel of five speakers discussing their experiences at Fondren and reflecting on the library's changes over the years. The panel will take place in the Kyle Morrow Room on the third floor of the library at 4 p.m., followed by a reception at 5 p.m.

Panel speakers include Peggy Barnett, the past president of the Friends of Fondren Library; History Professor Ira Gruber; Dean James, author of Death by Dissertation; Rice Centennial Historian Melissa Kean; and Baker College junior Cindy Dinh. The panelists were chosen because of their variety of experiences at Fondren.

---

---

That day, there will also be a free party for students in the Kyle Morrow Room from 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Assistant University Librarian Leah Krevit said the party is geared towards students.

"I want students to know the library cares about them and I want students to help us celebrate our birthday because they are a huge reason we are here in the first place," Krevit said.

The party will provide free bubble tea, music from a cappella group The Rice Philharmonics, birthday cake and a graffiti wall, which is a large poster on which students may write comments relating to their feelings about the library. Krevit said library staff would not censor anything on the wall, except for profanity.

"We want to hear everyone's opinion so that we know what is working," she said.

The wall will be put up at the party and will remain there until Homecoming Weekend, Nov. 13-14, so alumni can view the wall and add their own ideas about the library.

Martel College sophomore Kendra Brown said she was excited about Fondren's birthday celebration.

"I think the party is a really good idea," Brown said. "I am excited to learn more about Fondren's history and get free bubble tea."

There will be also a party for faculty and staff members in which they can celebrate the library's birthday. The two parties will be kept separate because there is not enough room for students and staff in the Kyle Morrow Room.

Other programs initiated by the library staff are free commemorative bookmarks with quotes from alumni who were previously contacted by the library staff. Bookmarks will be available at the student party. Students can also purchase memorabilia such as T-shirts, coasters, hats and sweatshirts at www.cafepress. com/fondrenlibrary.

---