The Woodruff Library celebrated its 50th anniversary on Wednesday this week with balloons, cupcakes, King of Pops, historical exhibits, guest alumni, and a replica of the original 1969 construction made out of cake.
Hosted by Campus and Community relations, the event was held on Level 2 of the library and was attended by staff, students, faculty, and even a visiting history class.
It was a time of reflection about change and growth over the past fifty years. “It’s hard to believe how things have changed,” says Gary Hauk, Emory historian. “The ramp over the ravine is gone, along with the prohibition against drinks and food in the stacks. Things are better!”
Daniel Kessler, a student whose research at Emory is around the intersection of technology and public policy, served on the first-year advisory board and believes that creating more spaces with natural light has made the library more palatable to students.
Kelly Kautt says, “Working in the library has been a positive experience. People find out what I do and think it would be wonderful to work here.”
“The biggest change over the years has been to transition to digital,” says Pam Matthews. “Today our work is about making things available to the modern, tech savvy students.”
“But you know,” adds Pam wistfully, “there’s still nothing like coming to a place where you can sit down and read a real book.”
Added library alum Ginger Smith, “I simply love coming back here.”
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