Neumann Library Open House transforms into a carnival

The seventh almost-annual Neumann Library Open House was in full swing Sept. 15 for students to familiarize themselves with the facility.

This year, the library was decked out, staff included, with carnival decor and offered a variety of activities such as carny games, snacks, drawings for prizes, and a grand prize of an Eceen solar power backpack. The first 10 students who arrived received a mystery bag.

“We got a lot of food, all sorts of cookies and snacks, but the main attraction are the prizes,” said Casey Roberson, reference and instructional librarian. “We were able to get a lot of donations from local business, like a couple of guided canoe tours at the Armand Bayou Nature Center. We got a gift certificate from the El Dorado restaurant nearby. The grand prize is the solar panel backpack.”

Roberson explained that each year they plan a new theme. “The Hunger Games” was last year’s theme, which included a giant scavenger hunt for students to participate in.

“This is the seventh time we’ve done it,” Roberson said. “It’s almost annual, we skipped one year. For now on I see no reason why we wouldn’t be doing it every year.”

Students received three tickets to try their luck in the drawings. The only caveat for the higher-tier prizes was the student had to be present during the time of the drawing.

With everyone’s eyes on the grand prize of the solar power backpack, there were other students who wanted the noise-cancelling headphones. Students who weren’t able to stay for the drawing at 6:30 p.m. had a chance at other prizes, which included several gift certificates and services from around the campus.

The Neumann Library Open House was a great opportunity to break the barrier between unfamiliar students, especially freshmen, and the library to show what the facility has to offer. The library offers resources, help and sanctuary for students who are in need, and that it’s not always about stress.

“We wanna get students familiar with the library,” said Linsey Ford, research and instructional librarian. “We have freshman. We want them to see we’re not scary. We’re not going to yell at them for asking questions, we want them to come into the library.”

Roberson said they want to invite students into the library, which is a fun atmosphere that isn’t stressful.

“It’s just about being and enjoying yourself and having probably too much snack food to eat,” Roberson said. “That’s what you would expect from a carnival.”

Students were trying their luck at the carnival games. Games such as ring toss, archery, and mallet ball proved to be the most difficult for students to win like a true carnival. Despite this, there wasn’t a student there not having a good time.

“Lots of games, plenty of food, it looks and feels like a fun time,” said freshman Brandon Wilson. “I just finished the archery.”

For students who missed all the festivities this fall, there’s always next year.

“This happens every fall; who knows what it’ll be next year,” Ford said.

SLIDESHOW: Neumann Library’s 7th almost-annual Open House Carnival

Slideshow created by The Signal reporter Cindy Brady.