If you’re reading this, I bet that you love Hannon Library. Although anytime is that right time to love Hannon Library, right now is especially right for that. Why, you ask? Because it’s Love Your Library Month!

Love Your Library Month is an annual celebration of libraries across the country, and honestly (not that I’m biased or anything), there really is no better library to spend it at than this one.

For Love Your Library Month, most people say kind words, volunteer a couple hours, or spend a little bit of extra time kicking it at the library. You are not most people though—you’re an Ashlander, and Ashlanders have always been known for that little bit of extra flair with everything they do.

As a student who practically lives in the library, and as a library employee who does his best to help Hannon Library run smoothly, I’d like to give you 6 things you can do this month to love your library.

1. Share your art

Schneider Museum isn’t the only place on campus with art (no offense to Schneider—we love you guys!). If you’ve visited Hannon Library you probably know about the art that hangs on every floor throughout the building, but I’m guessing you may not know that nearly every piece of art comes from local talent.

Although not all pieces are accepted, anyone can submit a request to display their art in Hannon Library for free. To do this, email the library’s Art Manager at keenand1@sou.edu with “Art” in the subject line.

2. Volunteer for SOAR

While the name Southern Oregon Arts & Research Conference may not sound like the world’s wildest shindig, helping out with SOAR really is a great time.  Every year students present projects they’ve been working on throughout the year. Whether it’s short films or scientific research, SOAR always has something for everyone to enjoy.

Although SOAR is a campus-wide endeavor, Hannon Library serves as the SOAR headquarters. Volunteers get to work on arguably the biggest event at SOU, and their contribution is critical to pulling off a successful conference.Volunteers do everything from photography to crowd coordination, so you can find a role that suits you best.To inquire about volunteering contact soar@sou.edu.

3. Musical performances

Here in Southern Oregon, we’re blessed to be in the middle of an artistic hub, and Hannon Library plays a big part of the artistic innovation of Ashland by hosting musical performances.

Although we tend to shy away from excessively boisterous music (so keep your hair metal band in your garage), we have hosted performances from harp players, a cappella groups, and pianists at Hannon Library.

If you are interested in donating your musical talents for a Music in the Library event contact Dale Vidar at vidmar@sou.edu

4. Become a Friend

While Hannon Library does not have enemies, we do have a certain group of people that we call Friends. Friends of Hannon Library is a group of community members that support the library, put on lectures, and enjoy a long list of privileges (like checking out books and reserving study rooms as non SOU students!)

Unlike everything else at Hannon Library, it does cost some money to become a Friend. There are various levels of membership, each with their own set of privileges. The starting cost is just $45 a year. To inquire about becoming a Friend of Hannon Library, visit the Library Administration Office, email adminstu@sou.edu, or call 541-552-6816.

5. Donate a book or two  

With all the musical performances, lectures, and fine art in Hannon Library, sometimes it’s easy to forget that the primary purpose of the library is to provide students and the community with a place to find books and access materials. We accept any and all book donations, which are tax deductible. We also always accept DVDs and music CDs.

To donate materials call Library Circulation at 541-552-6860, or come in and talk to the workers at the Circulation Desk.

6. Give us your money

Although sometimes I wish that the books, internet, computers, staff, and building maintenance at Hannon Library were free, in the words of my favorite philosophers, The Wu Tang Clan, “cash rules everything around me,” and unfortunately the library is no exception to this rule.  

Without getting too deep into the political wormhole of Oregon legislature, over the last decade Oregon public universities have not been receiving the funds that they used to. Because of this, an occasional money donation goes a long way.

All money donations are tax deductible. To make a donation, contact Library Administration at adminstu@sou.edu or 541-552-6816 .

Well, you just read six different ways to get involved with your library. As a student employee here, I have to say, that if you’re looking for somewhere to give back, there are few environments as welcoming, friendly and homey as SOU’s Hannon Library. I hope to see you sometime this month, either playing piano at an event, showing off your latest painting,  or dropping off a book you know someone will enjoy. It’s always a great feeling to give back to places, like Hannon Library, that have given so much to students and the community.

~ By Alex Mesadieu