In response to the surveys we conducted in the spring, HPU Librarians have done much this summer to improve the physical spaces as well as the services and materials we offer. One of the projects we completed was remodeling the Powell Room, (second floor, opposite the elevator), creating a combined study and display/archive space. We have made the room light and airy, adding new paint, lighting and window treatments, as well as a conference table, flanked by four individual study desks. We added some special collections, housed in six beautiful book cabinets, creating a quiet and inviting space for all to use.
Now, in the Powell Room, you will find a collection of lovely old children’s books, from the late 19th and early 20th century (including some early Caldecott Medal winners), a collection of Methodist and North Carolina History, our Thomas Wolfe collection, grand old world history books and some interesting items from our University Archives (we are currently showcasing the Linotype printing blocks used in our older yearbooks). We will also be rotating some of our special collections through the Powell Room so you will get a chance to see items that are not typically on display.
Next time you’re at Smith Library, come by the Powell Room for a quiet place to study or to see some of our special collections – while the collections in the Powell Room do not circulate, you may ask your HPU Librarian if you would like to get a better look at some of the amazing illustrations in the children’s books, see the Linotype blocks up close or browse through HPU’s copy of the Personal Relics and Antiquarian Treasures of Sir Walter Scott!
-Blog post by Alex Frey, Head of Technical Services