Library exhibit aims to ease students into college life

College life can be a big pill to swallow for some first-year students. New living spaces, loaded class schedules and many miles between Grand Valley and home can be intimidating for some but a new exhibit is aiming to alleviate those concerns.

“Tied Together” is a unique effort by University Libraries to welcome students to campus, with a primary focus on new students. The exhibit encourages students to answer the questions, “Who are you?”, “How did you get here?”, “What motivates you?”, “Why Grand Valley?”, and “What can we achieve together?” Students are asked to choose several words listed on a string art board that best answer each question, and then use colored yarn to connect the words.

“We hope the exhibit will illustrate the diverse and dedicated community to which we all belong, and as more and more people contribute, a tapestry of our individual and shared identities will emerge,” said Erin Fisher, University Libraries library program manager. “We hope also that the exhibit signals to students that the library is a vibrant place where friends and strangers alike can come together to learn and grow.”

"Tied Together" will be on display through September 24 in the Mary Idema Pew Library's Exhibition Space, located on the Atrium level.

The exhibit was developed by a collective of University Libraries staff, including Fisher, Emily Frigo, Lindy Scripps-Hoekstra, Erica Millspaugh and Samantha Minnis. The exhibit's informational panels were designed by student graphic designer Nathan Spangenberg. This exhibit marks the third consecutive year that University Libraries has developed an exhibit aimed at welcoming students to campus.