Behind the scenes at the Margaret and Herman Brown Library, a group of individuals is working to ensure the library’s long-term viability.
Friends of ACU Library is continuing on strong with support from its members and donations to help improve the facility and its resources.
Donald Philip Simpson, archival media conversion specialist and Friends of ACU Library staff liaison, was hired in 2009 to help with various tasks and events. He said Friends of ACU Library enables students, faculty and staff to do research, teach and sponsor hospitality in the library.
The founder of this organization was Abraham J. Malherbe. He began the organization in 1966 because of the low budget for books and resources at the ACU library. Friends of ACU Library exists to promote learning by enhancing the ACU library through encouraging gifts of service, money and materials.
Students and faculty are not automatic members of this organization, but anyone who wants to get involved can join. Annual membership allows donors to give book endowments, gifts or donations.
Dr. Stephen Weathers, associate professor of English, was honored as the Friends of ACU Library 2011 Friend of the Year for his personal donation of more than 1600 books. Weathers said he did not think he did much to receive the award.
“I donated my personal amassed library over the years to the ACU library,” Weathers said.
This organization also offers members the opportunity to purchase books in honor of a faculty member, a mentor, a department, parents, a spouse or other friends. Weathers said his gift was partially inspired by someone very close to him.
“My wife works in the Library, she has for a number of years,” Weathers said. “Because of that connection, among others, I have wanted to help the library when I could.”
Friends of ACU Library has explored multiple was of raising funds for the library, one of which is to join with the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication to create a contest for the best library staff T-shirt.
More information about Friends of ACU Library and how to become a member or get involved can be found at www.acu.edu/academics/library/FACUL/ .
