Two years ago, Pat Austin stepped away from her teaching duties following a 26-year career as a professor of children鈥檚 literature at the University of New Orleans. Austin, an avid reader and cheerleader for books; however, could not part ways with her duties as curator of 色色研究所鈥檚 Children鈥檚 and Young Adult Library.
The library, located on the third floor of the Bicentennial Education Building, houses a collection that includes more than 20,000 picture books, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, short stories and special collections.
The space, decorated with quilted art pieces, framed posters and research project boards, also provides resources for education professionals such as PRAXIS prep materials, videos, curriculum materials and professional literature. Some people use it as a study haven.
鈥淚t鈥檚 always been used by the School of Education,鈥 said Austin, who has been library鈥檚 curator since 2000.
Austin, however, is quick to say that all are welcome to use the library.
鈥淚t鈥檚 not just for education majors,鈥 Austin said. 鈥淓verybody鈥檚 welcome: faculty, staff and students.鈥
Although the library has existed since the building opened in 1976, Austin says many people are not aware of the resource.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a hidden gem; not everyone knows about it,鈥 Austin said. 鈥淚 just want people to know that we have more than 8,000 picture books. We have a whole picture book room 鈥 and it鈥檚 a fabulous, curated collection. They will find good books here and they can keep them out for three weeks.鈥
And, it鈥檚 user-friendly, Austin said. Don鈥檛 let concerns about keeping a book past its due date hinder your patronage, she said.
鈥淲e are a no-fine library,鈥 Austin said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 want that to stop you from checking out a book.鈥
Volunteers staff the library and its hours of operation are based on available staff. Austin鈥檚 goal is to have the library opened Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
鈥淚f I have an overflow of people, I will be open on Friday,鈥 she said.
Austin is currently seeking volunteers for the fall semester. She will train workers, but says no special skills are needed.
鈥淭heir main job is to just be here,鈥 Austin said.
If interested in volunteering, contact Pat Austin at paustin@uno.edu.
