During the John B. Cade Library's 2008 Fall Semester Kick Off, “Discover a Whole New World @ John B. Cade Library,” students received a “passport” with a map of the library to take a self-guided “trip around the world.”  Each department of the library represented a different country or culture and students received a stamp on their passport for each area of the library they visited. Pictured is Kathy Knighten, library administrative secretary, stamping a student’s “passport.” Dean of Libraries Emma B. Perry and SUBR Chancellor Kofi Lomotey looks on.

Freshman discover library during journey through open house

Incoming freshman at Southern University, Baton Rouge were invited to “Discover a Whole New World @ John B. Cade Library,” at the second annual open house held on August 14.

The day-long event exposed students to several cultural performances which included a modern dance ensemble, a Capoiera (martial arts dance) demonstration, salsa dancers and a New Orleans- style brass band. Freshmen members of the marching band also performed.

Upon entering the building, each student received a “passport” with a welcome message from the dean of libraries and a map of the library to take a self-guided “trip around the world.” Each department of the library represented a different country or culture and students received a stamp on their passport for each area of the library that they visited. Students received prizes based on the number of stamps in their passport.

The goal of the open house was to introduce incoming freshmen to the services and offerings available at the library. Through the activity, library faculty and staff hope to stimulate and sustain interest in the library as a center for informational, recreational and cultural needs, to increase the comfort level of first-year students about using the library and its services and to familiarize students with those who work in the library.

“This is a non-traditional and fun way to assist new students in making a smooth transition to college life,” says Emma Bradford Perry, dean of libraries. “We hope this activity will contribute to their success and retention and help them create greater satisfaction as a student, in general.”

Supporters of the event were Top Choice Products of Baton Rouge, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Baton Rouge, the Southern University Bookstore and the SU System Foundation