EIU Booth Library

National Library Week

Posted on April 9th, 2024

Booth Library will host a week-long celebration of National Library Week from April 8-12. National Library Week, initially sponsored in 1958, is a national observance supported by the American Library Association and libraries nationwide each April. It serves as a time to honor the contributions of our nation’s libraries and library staff while encouraging library use and support.

On Monday, April 8th, the library will host the annual Peep into a Book: Edible Book Festival in the Marvin Foyer, near the north entrance. Dioramas will be on display for public viewing starting at 9 a.m., and visitors are invited to vote for their favorites from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A reception with light refreshments will commence at 4 p.m., followed by the announcement of award winners at 4:15 p.m.

Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., students are invited to the Write Night & Study Buddies event! It will take place in the 4th Floor Clock Tower Lounge. Librarians, The Writing Center, Academic Success, and TRIO tutors are available to provide ample assistance. Attendees will receive a goodie bags, snacks and a chance to win a raffle prize! 

The Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creativity will showcase ten students, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the West Reading Room. This program promotes and recognizes excellence in student research, and encourages students to enhance their studies by utilizing the wealth of information available at Booth Library. 

Booth Library’s Authors@EIU series continues on April 11th, featuring talks by nationally recognized authors. Among them is Ryan Burge, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science at Eastern Illinois University. His latest work, “The Nones, Second Edition: Where They Come From, Who They Are, and Where They Are Going,” published by Fortress Press in 2023, offers a comprehensive examination of Americans who identify as having no religious affiliation. Dr. Stephen Eskilson will also be featured for his book, Digital Design, a History explores the evolution of digital design, offering insights from its nineteenth-century origins to its contemporary prominence.

To conclude the week, an AI Sandbox: Tools for Academic Research and Writing will be available in the CSI- Center for Student Innovation from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Attendees can try out AI tools designed to aid researchers in navigating the academic research and writing process. Demonstrations will include Scopus AI, PaperPal, and JSTOR’s AI research tool (beta).

Don’t forget to explore the new exhibits for Emeritus Professor Charles Coleman, Ph.D., in the Faculty Reading Room, and Booth Library Benefactor Annette Christy, Ed. D., in the Ballenger Teachers Center.

Full schedule available here.