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Libraries Staff Promote Resources, Services, and Fun at the State Fair
Posted 8/11/11
MADISON, Wis. – UW–Madison Libraries joined other university departments for a day of campus exploration, celebration, and fun at the Wisconsin State Fair’s UW–Madison Day on August 10. The campus libraries took the opportunity to both showcase their services and collections, and host fun activities for all fair visitors.
Ray Hamel of the Primate Center Library created a “Wisconsin State Fair” and “Down on the Farm” crossword puzzle; many fairgoers collaborated to complete
the puzzles—and grabbed some paper copies to work on later!
Staff members from the Robinson Map and Geography libraries helped Geography Department members show off interesting cartography materials. Here fair visitors could play a game that involved finding a cow named Buttercup around the UW fair grounds to win a beach ball map—this proved to be one of the most popular activities.
The Libraries’ booth also displayed images available through University Archives and Digital Collections. Many interested in campus history and genealogy found the historic images of UW–Madison fascinating.
Libraries staff handed out free Frisbees that were a huge hit with kids, adults, and even dogs! Famous dog Braveheart from the School of Veterinary Medicine enjoyed playing with a Libraries Frisbee.
Proving that a librarian’s duty extends far beyond the reference desk, Libraries staff even received some reference questions while at the fair.
Said Librarian Sheila Stoeckel, “We enjoyed visiting with all fair attendants, especially alumni, parents, prospective and current students, and generous UW–Madison Libraries donors.” Staff look forward to participating in future UW–
Madison Days.
Check out the official press release for more information on the 2011 UW–Madison Day at the state fair.
Addendum: The idea for the Libraries' involvement in the state fair's UW–Madison Day grew out of a conversation between Karen Dunn, staff member at Steenbock Library, and Tom Zinnen, Outreach Program Manager for the Biotechnology Center. Dunn and Barbara Hamel, also from Steenbock, were instrumental in organizing the Libraries' participation. A special thank you to all Libraries staff who helped with the planning for and execution of the event!
Photos: Library staff talk with visitors at the fair; Braveheart enjoying a Libraries Frisbee. Images courtesy of Sheila Stoeckel.
