Hometown: Buffalo, NY
Years in the Library: 4
“This is probably my favorite book/series I've read in the past year or so. I think it's really amazing how Octavia Butler talks about humanity, identity, and colonialism in science fiction. Plus it's a relatively quick read, so I would definitely recommend it even if you don't have a lot of time to read!”
“I love working with all of the library team! It's always a good time behind the desk (shout out to the memes and pictures at the desk).”
“We all need a little Gonzo journalism in our lives.”
“I think I average the most nods, waves, and heys of any student worker on campus. Working at the front desk with great people and being in the central hub of campus has been a joy. From managing to my weekly aid shift it’s always a good time.”
Years in the Library: 3
“I chose this book because it reminds me of all the time I spent as a child reading with my father and sisters. I would always turn to the stories in this book to lift me up with their fun humor, and I’ve read many of them over and over. For first time readers, I would recommend The Remarkable Rocket, The Recessional, Ali the Persian’s Story of the Kurd Sharper, and anything by Edward Lear.”
“The people 100%. I learn more from my coworkers than anything from our collection.”
Hometown: Madison, WI
Years in the Library: 2
“It is a beautiful first hand account of marginalized wage laborers in the United States, with a very thoughtful critique of how gender inflects this experience.”
“A relaxed and compassionate work environment that provides several essential services to students on campus.”
Years in the Library: 4
“This book is by far one of the best books I’ve ever read. I really resonate with it in a way that I never have with other books. It has made me sit with and reflect on my experiences as black women in white America. I’ve cried, laughed, and had so many a-ha moments while reading it. I also love the writing style of Morgan Jerkins and her ability to convey her experiences so powerfully.”
“I’ve enjoyed working with the amazing people at the library. I’ve always thought of myself as an introvert, but after working at the library office, I’ve realized that’s not entirely accurate. I love working with Kate and having interesting conversations with people who come into the office.”
“This book changed the way I think and interact with nature. It makes me feel grateful to live on planet Earth!”
“I love chatting with the archives staff during my shift!”
“This book is one of my favorite books that I have read and the movie is in my top ten of movies. It dismantles racial bias and talks about the impact of the maids had on the white home and how integral they were to society.”
“I have enjoyed the sense of community in the library, meeting new people, doing trivia in the office with Kate, Angi and John. Giving the owl to Mozhdeh.”
“This is the book that really reintroduced me to my love of reading and has kept me going ever since. During my first year, I was shelving on the second floor and I came across this book and remember how much I loved reading it. I checked it out during my shift and started reading it at the desk. I wound up skipping all my classes that day because I just couldn’t put the book down and I finished it before the day ended. To this day it’s still one of my favorite books. I have this book and the library to thank for the dozens and dozens of books I have read since then.”
“I love the community in the library. I love the workers and the staff in the library who create such a fun and welcoming space. It’s a space where I can judge all the outfits from the Met Gala, learn how to get my textbooks for free, and get paid all at once. It has been such a privilege to work in such a fun environment that has given me a community.”
Years in the Library: 4
“Ironically, considering that I work in the library, I do not read for pleasure all that often. I was an intense bookworm through middle school, but as it often goes I lost my appreciation for it by the time high school started. I have missed the feeling of being immersed in a whole other world. I have been trying to get into it again and have tried to make a plan for how to do so. I started with rereading books I have already read so that they would be easier to get through. Babel, which is about my personal interests in linguistics and history, is the book I have chosen to revitalize my love for reading.”
“I have enjoyed the sense of community that has developed among the AIRS student workers and staff. I have enjoyed watching the comings and goings of first years learning to make their way around, and have enjoyed watching the library veterans write their capstones. I have learned so much about working as a team, and I have also come to appreciate how important the libraries on any college campus are.”
“This is an adaption of the most favorite thing I’ve ever read and altered my relationship with stories.”
“All the library workers are amazing.”
Hometown: Salem, MA
Years in the Library: 4
“This book continues to be profoundly influential in my journey of personal and spiritual discovery. Looking beyond the gendered framework, this book can speak to any individual who seeks to reconnect with an identity that has been repressed in some way.”
“I love working here! All the staff and student workers are my favorite part because they each are so kind and can always bring a smile to your face.”
“As a girl who grew up with many siblings in New England, I always felt like this book summarized my womanhood and placehood in a way that is so personal. It speaks to this idea that young women are full of endless ambition, warmth, and hope - and also make endless inevitable errors.”
“The library has been a light in my experience at Macalester! Most of all I love the people who I met. Thank you for four years of laughter and community!”
Years in the Library: 4
“This book might hit a little close to home - Atwood really helps you comprehend that we can’t exactly predict what will ever happen with this “speculative fiction” that takes place post-apocalypse.”
“The people I’ve met have really influenced every step of my college career here!”
