The Collegio Pittsburg's student voice since 1916
The “Axe Library Luau” is an event held annually that highlights all of the organizations that call the Axe Library home.
Thurs. Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, all programs located in the Axe Library set up information tables on the library’s patio. Students walking to and from classes were offered games, prizes, and a free lunch consisting of a hot dog, chips, and water.
“We have a large number of partners in the space that we want students to be aware of and know they are here when they need them..,” said Jorge Leon, learning outreach librarian at the Axe Library. “Students have a ton of resources available that if they aren’t aware of they might miss out on.”
The organizations in attendance at the Luau were the Writing Center, Student Success Programs, Sodexo, and Students of Violence Prevention. The students were given the opportunity to speak to representatives of each program. The Axe Library Luau made networking and relationship building accessible to students during their daily walk to class.
“So many times students are being ‘sentenced’ to the library for an assignment, but we also want them to be able to engage in a relaxed, fun environment,” Leon said, who could be heard cheering on and joking with the students participating in the mini-activities.
Students like freshman Sophia Sisk were eligible to win a new PSU T-shirt or a reusable metal straw.
“I came for the free food and it turned out to be fun,” Sisk said.
Leon and fellow outreach librarian Ruth Monnier organized this event with the intention of familiarizing new and incoming students with the library. This event encourages students to make the Axe Library a routine part of their educational career, whether that involves personal work, study dates, group projects, or club meetings, according to Leon.
“The library is really just about students finding a space that is comfortable..,” Leon said. “We try to make sure that the place is accommodating, whether students need a quiet or more lively space, there are all different environments you can find throughout the building.”
Though library space is limited for the time being because of construction, the library wants to make sure that it’s resources for students are not.
“Phase six of the Axe Library remodel project is nearing completion with most of the work in the basement, stairwells, and second floor already finished,” said Randy Roberts, dean of library services. “Our project, like other projects across the nation, has been delayed this year due to materials shortages and long lead times on receiving some products. In the meantime, Library Services staff do have access to the books on the second floor and library materials are available on request.”