| Student’s book collection on exhibit The library’s current exhibit, The Liberation Struggle in South Africa: 1945–1994, is no ordinary display of library books organized around a common theme. The exhibit, in fact, features the private collection of Dylan Craig, an AU graduate student in the School of International Service and winner of the library’s inaugural book collection contest. In his essay describing the collection, Craig successfully articulates the potential for these books about fighting apartheid to inspire democratic struggles elsewhere. As he says, “Perhaps there really is a ‘miracle’ buried inside these books and others like them; and perhaps it is a miracle not just for southern Africa, but for all humanity.” Craig also writes poignantly and humorously about the choices he had to make when packing just two suitcases as he left his native South Africa for study in the United States. He decided that the “story of the South African liberation study,” as told in his books made “more sense pound for pound than any number of sneakers or sweaters!” Twenty-one entries were submitted in the book collection contest. Only American University students were eligible for participation. In addition to writing an essay about their collections, entrants were required to complete an annotated bibliography describing their books. The entries and collections ranged widely in scope, from opera to Cuba to baseball to the American dream. The many compelling submissions made judging the contest a welcome challenge for CAS College Writing faculty member Jocelyn McCarthy, Student Government president Kyle Taylor, Second Story Books owner Allan Stypek ’72, and library faculty members Stacey Marien and Martin Shapiro. The quality of the essay, the personal connection to the collection, and the uniqueness of the books were the chief criteria used in the judges’ review. Sponsored by Friends of American University Library, the contest to celebrate book collections was held during the fall semester. In addition to first place winner Craig who received $500, Erin Watkins received $250 for her second place entry, “Left to Their Own Devices: Children and Magic in British Literature.” Lenora Stiles received $100 for third place with “Transformations of Fairy Tales: A Fantastic Collection.” A member of the library’s Friends steering committee donated the prizes. In addition to his books, Craig’s winning essay is available for perusal in the exhibit area. Visitors may also listen to a selection of South African Border War protest anthems. The exhibit is open through March. |
