Stephanie HouseLeatherby Libraries is the chief destination for many of Chapman’s sharpest students. If you’re a staff or faculty member, however, the libraries may be a bit off the beaten path. The libraries offer a wealth of resources, interesting reads and fascinating exhibitions that faculty and staff are welcome to enjoy.
In an effort to uncover the treasures contained in this remarkable place, Working@Chapman is excited to unveil a new series in partnership with Leatherby Libraries: “Inside Leatherby Libraries.”
We sat down with Rachel Karas, events and external relations assistant with Leathery Libraries, to ask about some of her favorite Leatherby experiences. If you haven’t had the opportunity to amble over to the teeming shelves of the libraries, you may decide it’s worth the trek.
Q: What excites you most about working at Leatherby Libraries?
A: I’m most excited about working at the Leatherby Libraries because libraries have always, as long as I can remember, been my happy/safe place. I’m a lifelong book worm, and being surrounded by books is my favorite place to be. I also remember how crucial the library was for me as a college and grad student, as a place where lots of books were, sure, but also as a place where I could study and have focus, find a quiet place, be with other students, and just absorb more of the overall environment of learning the library provides. I love being able to let students, faculty, and staff know what we have to offer, from everyday resources to special events, so that they can get the most out of the library.
Q: What is your favorite library artifact/ exhibition?
A: I love the Kevin Lee Underwater Photography exhibition on the 3rd floor, in the Science Library. The pictures of the nudibranchs and opistobranchs are so stunningly colorful and unusual.
Q: What is one library resource you wished faculty/staff would take advantage of?
A: Two things come to mind: the first is that I wish more staff knew that all of our events are open to them, and that we would love to have them attend! A fair portion of our events start at 5 or 5:30 p.m., specifically because we want people who work until 5 to be able to join us. The second is the Inter-Library Loan, or ILL. Anyone, including staff, can request books or articles that the Leatherby Libraries doesn’t own, but that another library (usually another academic library) does. ILL books arrive quickly, and anyone with a Chapman ID can use the service.
Q: What event/exhibition this spring are you most looking forward to?
A: It’s a tie. The first contender is the opening reception for our Groundbreaking Girls exhibit, on March 11th. The reception will include a book talk by Education Professor Lilia Monzo and a conversation between the artist, Allison Adams, and Development Librarian Essraa Nawar. The paintings are gorgeous, and I can’t wait to hear the artist talk about them. The second contender is an event we have coming up at the end of April, titled “Aloha! Hawaiian Shirts, Tommy Bahama, and the American Tropical Dream.” This event, which will take place on April 30th in the Huell Howser Archives and the Center for American War Letters Archives, is the opening reception for an exhibit of Aloha shirts, using some of Huell Howser’s shirts, along with some items on loan from a collector. We’re partnering with Tommy Bahama on the event, including catering, and I’m looking forward to having a great island time while also learning about textile and fashion history.
Q: What do you love most about Chapman University?
A: I think my favorite thing about Chapman University is how close-knit the campus community is. In my time in higher education, as an undergrad, graduate student, and now staff member, I’ve been part of some really big schools, and some really tiny ones. I think Chapman is an ideal size – I love recognizing so many people as I walk across campus, and how well everyone collaborates.
Upcoming Events
- Groundbreaking Girls Exhibit Opening Reception: Wednesday, Mar. 11, 5–7 p.m., Doy and Dee Henley Reading Room
- Holocaust Art and Writing Contest: Friday, Mar. 13.
- This event will include a VR demonstration of Labkovski Project display (see below) in the morning, in the Hall of Art
- Education and Ethnic Studies Summit: Saturday, Apr. 4
- A reception for the art exhibit will take place in the Hall of Art, time TBD
- Nadia Murad Book Club Discussion and Lunch: Thursday, Apr. 16, 12–3 p.m., Center for American War Letters
- Charlene Baldwin Retirement Party, Tuesday, Apr. 28, 4:30–6 p.m., Fish Interfaith Center
- Tommy Bahama Exhibit Opening Reception, Thursday, Apr. 30, 5–7 p.m., Center for American War Letters and Huell Howser Archives
- Cookies and 24/7 Services, Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 23
Exhibits
- Groundbreaking Girls, Henley Reading Room, Feb. 3 – May 29
- Steampunk Display, Hall of Art, Feb. 14 – Feb. 28
- Labkovski Project Display (part of Holocaust Art and Writing Contest), Hall of Art, Mar. 6 – Mar. 26
- Education and Ethnic Studies Summit Art Display, Hall of Art, Mar. 30 – Apr. 20
- Tommy Bahama Display, Huell Howser, Aor, 30 – Aug. 31
- Student Scholar Symposium Art Display, Hall of Art, May 1 – May 26
- Staff Art Exhibit, late May – late August
