On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Special Collections and Archives will host three significant events related to the Rare Book Room in Kent Library and its collection to kick off Library Week. There will be an open house in the Rare Book Room from 2-4 p.m. for Southeast students, faculty, and staff. Alumni can visit the Rare Book Room from 5-6:30 p.m by filling out the alumni registration form.

 “The Rare Book Room is an incredible asset for the University community, as well as the region,” said Tyson Koenig, the Special Collections and Archives librarian. The Rare Book Room is home to both the Charles L. Harrison Collection of rare books and manuscripts and the L.D. Brodsky William Faulkner Collection. “It is a true gem of our campus that draws wide recognition to the University.”

That evening, the Library will host an exclusive film screening of the documentary “Faulkner: The Past Is Never Dead” in Rose Theatre in the Grauel Building, from 7-9p.m. The documentary is only being shown at film festivals and special screenings around the country. Special Collections and Archives collaborated extensively with the Faulkner documentary filmmakers, who spent several days on campus in 2018. 

Following the film screening, members of the production team, along with Faulkner scholar Dr. Robert Hamblin and Tyson Koenig, will participate in a short panel discussion about the documentary.

Two important events will wrap-up Library Week.

• On Wednesday, Nov. 15 from noon-1 p.m., Southeast plans to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the naming of the Kent Library for Sadie Kent. Students, faculty, and staff are all welcome to enjoy birthday cake, making pins and playing games.
• On Nov. 16 from 5:30- 6:30 p.m., Dr. Steven Hoffman of the Department of History and Anthropology will be giving a Library Lecture on Southeast’s architectural history on the main floor of Kent Library, entitled “Architectural Trends and the SEMO Campus: 150 Years of Quality Design.” 

Koenig said, “Kent Library has always been, and remains today, a place dedicated to learning and discovery and a crucial element of student success at Southeast. We are excited to share these unique and entertaining learning opportunities while we celebrate the library’s namesake and Library Week.”

Kent Library continues to encourage students to stay involved at the library and apply for the student group Johnson Endowment grants for the 2023-2024 academic year. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 8. The library is presenting two awards for $1,500 each for student groups to enhance the library’s collection.