Marist Library Celebrates the Power of Literature during Black History Month

The James A. Cannavino Library may be known for its quiet study spots and serene views, but the librarians and student employees work hard behind the scenes to make sure it is also a space that fosters cultural learning and identity.

For the past six years, research services librarians Elizabeth Clarke and Gill Friedlander have been working to set up book displays every month to celebrate identity and bring attention to a variety of social movements. This month is no exception, with an expansive display of books, media and infographics to celebrate this Black History Month. 

“Raising awareness is a big thing that we're looking for in these interactions,” Clarke said. “Like, look at these people! Look at the amazing things they did!” 

The display features media that speak to students studying an array of subjects, from business to computer science, engineering, English and more. No matter the department, Clarke and Friedlander ensure that students all across campus can find items in the display that relates and interest them. 

“We try to be as inclusive as we can in terms of the disciplines on campus,” said Clarke.

Ensuring that the display also has media variation is a primary factor in curating the collection. This means the display features graphic novels, young adult books, children’s books, adult literature, DVDs and infographics. Even more resources are offered on the library’s website. This allows students to learn more about groups they may be unfamiliar with in mediums beyond the written word. 

These displays take the careful thought of both the librarians and student workers. Clarke and Friedlander have a separate list of items for each display they put together. The lists are ever-evolving to ensure the media they are selecting is up to date. The student employees then step in and help pull the books from the library’s collection based on the updated list. 

“Pulling all of the books for a display can take a long time,” said student worker Zoe Gillette ‘27. “But you get exposed to a lot of different books, and it’s so rewarding to see everything come together.”

The February collection was mainly done by Clarke and Friedlander, but for many months, the librarians partner with classes to help create the display. The collaborations began in 2019 when an introduction to women’s studies class created a display for Women’s History Month.

Clarke and Friedlander now partner with other classes like introduction to queer studies as well as different departments on campus, such as the Office of Accommodations and Accessibility, to create displays every month. 

Clarke and Friedlander emphasized the importance of student interaction with the displays. Friedlander said students showing interest in the variety of displays encourages their team to continue the display project, and it shows the librarians that the students find interest in their collection.

The work of curating displays also helps Clarke and Friedlander find gaps in the library’s collection. The process of pulling materials, with a specific topic or cultural movement in mind, allows the librarians to make their collection more inclusive. 

Clarke and Friedlander encourage students to check out some of their favorite books on display this month: “March” by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, “Bingo Love” by Tee Franklin and any of the library’s books about Basquiat.

“We’re hoping for interaction in any format,” Friedlander said. “So, be that checking out books, but also students stopping just to look at the display, to interact with it.”