Written by Quasha Ross

Odum Library now offers more than just books.

Most recently, Odum Library participated in International Tabletop Day on March 30.

This was a day for people to come together and play tabletop board games as part of the library’s attempt to bring the community together, according to Jeff Gallant, reference librarian.

On March 18, the Knotwork Designs exhibit opened for students and faculty to enjoy.

The exhibit allowed 62-year-old Elantu Baiat Veovode to display her Knotwork designs which are on display in the Hub Gallery on the second floor of Odum Library.

Many of the librarians are excited to turn Odum from a place of research and studying to a must see attraction.

Dr. Alan Bernstein explained that although the library suggests an academic atmosphere, there is still a need for a more modern academic library.

“We’ve always tried to encourage the library to be more than just that place you go to study, but [to be] a meeting place, a hangout and a place of comfort,” Dr. Bernstein said. “We accept the idea of active learning as a part of the more modern academic library.”

In December 2012, Odum Library hosted the Club Odum Pajama Party for finals week at VSU. The event included s’mores, board games and many other fun activities that allowed students to unwind after a long week of exams.

The library aims to work with other departments and staff such as RA’s and residence halls to implement a more enjoyable learning space.

In mid-April, Reference Librarian Michael Holt will host “Read Fest,” an annual event that marks National Library Week which is sponsored by the American Library Association and celebrates the contributions of the nation’s libraries and librarians.

Odum also attempts to reach out to the youth to make education enjoyable.

Each year, the library invites pre-K students from area schools to come enjoy reading in a fun and educational way.

Dr. Bernstein believes that although new ideas and activities are being implemented, it will not be at the expense of the library.

“Odum is still, very much, always a learning place,” he said.