Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, "The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books." As fall classes begin at Penn State, University Libraries welcomes students and others into a new Reading Room on the first floor of Pattee Library that includes the Leisure Reading Collection. The collection highlights popular fiction and nonfiction titles by authors ranging from Stephanie Meyer to Malcolm Gladwell.
In the former location of the Foster Auditorium, which was relocated to the first floor of Paterno Library, the room is part of the new Knowledge Commons, a project that will continue throughout 2011 and will create state-of-the-art information services for library users in Pattee Library.
Information Literacy Librarian Anne Behler, who initiated the Leisure Reading Collection three years ago, pointed out, "We are very excited to give this collection a home that is front and center in the library. Reading for enjoyment is one of the most valuable activities we can engage in—for mental exercise, or for pure diversion—and I’m happy that Penn State students and the community will now have the opportunity at their fingertips.”
Suggestions for new titles and questions about the new area can be directed to Dawn Amsberry at 814-865-5093.