Publication Date

Summer 2009

Abstract

Message from Jay:

Since Issue 36 (Fall/Winter 2008) of News for the Friends of the UMass Amherst Libraries, we have endured what seemed to be an exceptionally long and sun-less winter in Amherst. Or, maybe the economic news just made it feel exceptionally long and sun-less. With the flowers beginning to blossom in the Du Bois Library Courtyard, I am encouraged by this quotation from Bo Bennett (author of the 2004 book entitled Year to Success): “As sure as the spring will follow the winter, prosperity and economic growth will follow recession.” This spring has been exceptional as you will read on the following pages. After the success last fall in developing improvements to the W.E.B. Du Bois Homesite in Great Barrington, the UMass Amherst Faculty Senate has now approved the establishment of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center in the Libraries and the Verizon Foundation has awarded the Libraries a grant of $200,000 to digitize the Du Bois Papers. The Seventh Annual Dinner with Friends was also a great success. At that event, Chancellor Holub announced a new initiative we call History of the Book: A Teaching Collection. This collection will support faculty in English, Art, History, and other fields who teach courses related to the history of the book. We are seeking donations of materials and money to build this collection. So, please get that Gutenberg Bible out of the attic or write a check! After all, it is spring. As always, thank you for your kindnesses and exceptional support.

Jay Schafer

Director of Libraries

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