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MSU library highlighted at recent Showcase and Gala |
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Wednesday, 10 December 2008 |
For the Daily News
Christmas came early when Mississippi State University’s Mitchell Memorial Library opened its doors Nov. 8 to reveal a winter wonderland.
The MSU Libraries’ second annual Showcase and Gala centered on a holiday theme and included a tree lighting, carols and a special visitor from the North Pole.
The event was designed to invite people inside the Mitchell Memorial Library for an up-close look at some of the treasurers found in its vaults and its archives.
The special evening included exhibits, music, food, demonstrations, presentations and more.
Frances Coleman, dean of MSU Libraries and co-chair of the event, said the Gala was an excellent opportunity for the Libraries to open its door and invite patrons in to see just a sample of the many treasures collected here.
Displays from the University Archives, the Libraries Special Collections, the Congressional and Political Research Center, as well as from the general Collection included a military uniform from the university’s A&M days, official university china, a collection of cookbooks, items from the Libraries’ newly acquired Eudora Welty Collection, memorabilia from the collections of Senator John C. Stennis and Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery and more.
“We wanted to offer a small bit of insight into the vast holdings of the MSU Libraries,” said event co-chair Pattye Archer.
“We were very excited to offer a sneak peek at the new Eudora Welty Collection, and, of course, the wonderful memorabilia of Senator John C. Stennis and Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery is always popular,” Archer said.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy seeing some of the designs of Myrna Colley Lee and touring the John Grisham Room and Charles Templeton Sr. Music Museum. There really was something for everyone to see and enjoy.”
The Library was decorated on four floors, and food, music and merriment could be found throughout.
During an official program, emceed by Amy Tuck, special assistant to the MSU president, the Libraries’ large Christmas tree was lit.
On the fourth floor, visitors were able to enjoy the tour of trees which included a tree decorated by children from Aiken Village Preschool, the Roy Ruby Dewey Decimal Tree, a Ragtime Music tree as well as several others.
“We had a wonderful evening and are so thankful to everyone who made the evening special,” Dean Coleman said. “We are especially appreciative of the authors and artists who took part in the Mississippi Authors’ Corner and our art exhibit and of all our entertainers. We want to thank all of the visitors who came and helped us enjoy the evening.
“We continue to believe the MSU Libraries is the place to be on the Mississippi State campus,” she said.
“The Showcase and Gala gave us an opportunity to show our guests why that name fits,” Coleman added.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 December 2008 )
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