The Library is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Book+Art exhibit as part of Milligan College’s 2014 Homecoming festivities (October 24-25). We are calling on all Milligan book lovers and artists to participate!

Submissions are invited from students, faculty, staff, and their family members. The exhibit challenges you to re-imagine books as both the inspiration and the medium for your art. There are no other limits. The Library will provide free discarded books on a cart located in the Welshimer Room (on the Main Floor) for you to use as raw material, or you can find your own books from used bookstores and second-hand shops.

Need ideas? Just do a Google Image search for “Book Art.” One up-and-coming book sculptor is Kelly Campbell Berry, who graciously provided the photo of one of her book sculptures for our poster above. Kelly has some amazing pieces on her online gallery. You can also see our write-up from last year’s exhibit.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, October 24 at 1:00 PM. Please include your name and the title of your piece. (More than one submission per artist is acceptable.) The exhibit will continue through Homecoming weekend and into the following week. The Library will hold a drawing, and one lucky artist will win a $25 Amazon gift card.

On Monday-Wednesday morning this week, retired Milligan College Biology Professor Julia Wade returned to the Library with Jake, her certified therapy dog, to help students relax over their impending or completed final exams. Jake was last here during Fall Final Exam Week. And once again, he was a hit with students.

When Jake first arrived on Monday morning, Mary Jackson, our Research and Instruction Librarian called out: “Jake is in the building!” and a bunch of students immediately got up from their study tables and streamed into the Welshimer Room. One student said later she thought she had done poorly on one of her finals, but after spending ten minutes with Jake she said she felt much better. Another student tweeted: “Therapy dogs should come to the library every day,” and included an Instagram photo of Jake. One of our library student workers wasn’t able to come visit with Jake. “I was so sad to have missed him!”

That’s quite an endorsement. Thank you so much Jake and Professor Wade for taking the time to visit with us!

On May 31, 2014, beloved staff member of the Milligan College Library, V. June Leonard will be retiring after nearly 31 years. The occasion was marked by a reception (shared by fellow Milligan College retirees, Professors Gary Leek (Biology) and Carolyn Woolard (French/Spanish)) in the atrium of the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts, on Thursday, April 24. Present to participate at this auspicious occasion were many Milligan faculty, staff, and students, President Bill Greer, former Director of the Library Steve Preston, and members of June’s family.

President Bill Greer with retirees Gary Leek, Carolyn Woolard, and June Leonard

June Leonard with former and current Library Directors, Steve Preston and Gary Daught

June began working in the Library on July 1, 1983 as Office Manager. She was eventually promoted to Technical Services Manager and put in charge of library cataloging and acquisitions, a position she holds to the present. June is quiet and unassuming, but she has had a unique impact on students–especially those who work in the Library–by the way she engages with them and takes authentic interest in their lives. June’s employment career at Milligan College actually extends back to 1963 (through 1978), serving in various secretarial roles on campus. June’s dedication was recognized by the Milligan College community in May 2000, through the conferral of the Fide et Amore award for distinguished service.

Regarding her work in the Library, Director of Library Services Gary Daught stated: “The library world has completely changed during June’s tenure. But she never resisted change or fell back defensively on old ways of doing things. I was (and am) continually amazed at June’s consistently high level of interest, engagement, and her willingness to keep up-to-date and learn new things. June is a unique treasure. We are going to miss her.”

June was the recipient of an additional honor at Thursday’s reception. In November 2013, the Library announced the successful completion of its Million Pennies Campaign, having raised $10,000 to apply toward renovation projects. This donor level allowed for a naming of a study space in the Library. Originally, the plan was to arrange a vote for the naming opportunity. But when word of June’s retirement became known, it was obvious what the study space should be named. On hand at the reception was Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jack Simpson to present June with the plaque that will be hung at the entrance of the study space on the main floor of the Library. Director Gary Daught indicated that the funds raised in the Million Pennies Campaign will be used to purchase individual study carrels throughout the Library that will completely replace old existing carrels and match other furniture purchased in recent years.

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jack Simpson presents plaque to June Leonard

The V. June Leonard study space on the main floor of the Library

The V. June Leonard Library study space plaque

When asked for her reaction to this recognition and reflections on her upcoming retirement, June responded: “How do you summarize your feelings or emotions in reflecting upon 45 years of service with Milligan College? I have had so many wonderful experiences and interactions with administration, faculty, staff and students. I leave Milligan not being able to express in words my appreciation for the recognition the College has given me–the Fide et Amore award in 2000, the 2013 Student Appreciation Award, and now the Library has announced that a plaque is to be placed in a library study room in my honor, which came as a result of the Million Pennies Campaign.

“I lived in Johnson City my entire life. When I first came to Milligan College to work in 1963, I had never been on the Milligan campus. Once I came, I never wanted to leave. I knew this was the place for me. The best part has been that I could have a small part in Milligan’s commitment: ‘Christian Education, the Hope of the World.'”