A Golden Anniversary: HSU Richardson Library Reception By: Delani Bauer

The Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Rupert and Pauline Richardson Library celebrated its 50th anniversary this fall. A reception was held to celebrate the building's golden anniversary on Nov 4 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Elizabeth Norman, professor of libraries and university librarian, shared the history of the library, explaining it was, “dedicated on Nov 4, 1976, when the building was newly built and named after Dr. Richardson, the ninth president of HSU (1943-1953), and his wife.”

The reception was open to all former and current HSU students, administrators, faculty and staff, as well as anyone who enjoys spending time in the library. The HSU Richardson Library was highly celebrated, as it serves as a place of community and academic support for many students.

The reception featured cakes, fruit trays, coffee, punch and ice water for guests to enjoy. The library distributed commemorative anniversary stickers. During the event, videos played featuring oral history interviews and historical information about the building.

The library hosted The Great Book Hunt beginning Nov 3, in which tiny books were hidden inside the building. Books could be found on all three of the library's floors, and there was no limit to how many books one person could find.

Once students found a hidden book, they were required to bring it to the library’s circulation desk to fill out a paper with their contact information. Each book found earned students a ticket placed in a raffle for several Amazon and HSU Bookstore gift cards. All winners were announced following the reception at noon.

The event marked a highly anticipated milestone for the HSU campus community. Norman shared that her favorite part of the celebration was reconnecting with former library staff, faculty and student workers.

“I have worked at HSU as faculty since 1995 and was a student worker at the circulation desk when I was an undergraduate from 1987-1989, so I know many wonderful individuals who worked and studied in the library over the years,” Norman said. “It will also be enjoyable to visit with the current HSU family."

Next time you are on campus, make sure to stop by the Richardson Library. Its staff work hard each day to make the library a welcoming enriching facility for everyone to enjoy.