Classics. Bestsellers. Sci-Fi. Self-Help. And Passover.
The month of March got off to a “roaring start” at Hedi Steinberg Library (HSL) with two thematic book displays.
“Student Picks,” conceived by Research and Instruction Librarian Emily Apterbach, showcased the reading lives of Stern College for Women students beyond the syllabi. Flyers with QR codes encouraged submissions of reviews and recommendations. These responses were later recorded in a spreadsheet, typed up, and attached to cards placed before their respective titles. Circulation Associate Alex Kahgan assisted with arranging the books on a display table, along with a suggestion box, facing the Circulation library entrance.
The students selected a diverse array of titles, reflecting the range of student tastes. In common though--glowing praise of the books, such as:
“Great stories within that could teach you lessons for life for every type of person”: Just Love Them (by Yisroel Besser).
“I haven’t been so absorbed in a book for a while! Insane plot twists I never saw coming!”: The Women (by Kristen Hannah).
The display was a huge hit. Patrons repeatedly stopped by to view the table, which was frequently replenished due to the number of items borrowed.
Patrons even inserted a few recommendations of their own into the suggestion box. They were further encouraged to submit more reviews, with the promise that their choices would join the semi-circle. Due to the popularity of the display and the level of engagement, HSL plans to host similar displays in the near future.
Meanwhile, a concurrent display down at the North Wing treated viewers to the “Night of Watching.”
Curation of the Passover collection involved a combined effort on the part of HSL staff: Circulation Associate Alex Kahgan artfully arranged the items, which included recent and popular acquisitions: Haggadot, commentaries on the Haggadah, and Biblical history, along with booklets of recipes provided by Reference and Instruction Librarian Hindishe Lee. 3D-printed decorations by Library Digital Media Assistant Hallie (Chaya Sarah) Cantor highlighted pivotal events behind the holiday—among them a Seder plate, as well as a frog and a cow, to represent twenty percent of the Ten Plagues.
Again, the reaction was positive, with dozens of visitors stopping by and taking home eight days’ worth of reading material -- a book or two to read over the Four Cups and the Four Questions. They were also provided with a Passover recipe booklet and a reading list of contemporary Jewish novels available at HSL to enjoy over school break.
From madness to majesty. The month “marched” in step, accompanied by severe winter outdoors. Nevertheless, HSL’s two “wildly” successful displays regally ushered in the Festival of Spring, honoring many eager readers and outroaring the King of Beasts.
- Submitted by Hallie (Chaya Sarah) Cantor
