2009 Senior Books
Senior Books Project
Every year, the graduating seniors who are working in the library are invited to pick a favorite book and say something about what it was like to work in the library. Scroll through the years to find some great books and hear what it’s like to work in the Library
Years available:
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Andra Bosneag
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Reserves
- Worked 3 years in the library
ANDRA’S BOOK SELECTION
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
ABOUT THE SELECTION
As a teen, I was drawn to Dostoevsky’s schismatic Raskolnikov as he underwent psychological explorations leading to the discovery of love, sacrifice and the mediocrity of humanity as a graduating senior my existential side comprehends unrelenting despair, tormenting doubts, and heaps of anxiety.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
Over the past few years, I have enjoyed working/living at the library as it has allowed me to spend time with wonderful staff and the vast majority of my friends.
Alese Colehour
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Circulation
- Worked 2 years in the library
ALESE’S BOOK SELECTION
Elizabeth Decker
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Circulation
- Worked 3 years in the library
ELIZABETH’S BOOK SELECTION
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I grew up with Harry Potter! The series will always remain formative of my childhood and an absolute favorite.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I’ve most enjoyed my summers working at the library, especially finding millions of missing books with Hannah Adams and Jenny Diaz!
Alice Gerard
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Reference
- Worked 4 years in the library
ALICE’S BOOK SELECTION
ABOUT THE SELECTION
This book has a special place in my heart because it sparked an intense desire for travel and adventure. When I first read it at the impressionable age of 12, I completely identified with the main character Dinnie and her awkward search for belonging. I imagined myself jetting off to her Swiss boarding school and having profound life-changing experiences. Now, 10 years and 4 trips to Europe later, I still find Dinnie’s discovery of an expanding world and the search to find her place within it remarkably inspiring.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I absolutely love the librarians. They are so accommodating and fun, I can’t think of a better place to work. I’ve also enjoyed my status as “library-guru” among my friends, I often feel like a walking help desk. Also, interlibrary loan provides some unexpected snooping opportunities. Yes, I do know about the “How To Be A Rockstar” handbook you ordered…
Jayant Gokhale
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Circulation
- Worked 3 years in the library
JAYANT’S BOOK SELECTION
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I think that it is one of the most unique styles of writing I have seen in a long time. The author’s choice of words and her knack for making up names for commonplace things emphasizes that the main characters of the book are young children. Above all, it is about India!
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The supervisors. They are the most caring, hardworking individuals I have met in a long time. It is truly a privilege to know them.
Carleton Hanson
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Lower Level
- Worked 4 years in the library
CARLETON’S BOOK SELECTION
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I have read this book more times than any other. It is a classic from my childhood and very well written. It makes you think about things in a whole new way and highlights the joy of thinking.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The people! Ron and Laura make working in the library computer lab great!
Ryan Henderson
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Cataloging
- Worked 1 year in the library
RYAN’S BOOK SELECTION
Timothy Lehman
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Media Services
- Worked 3 years in the library
TIMOTHY’S BOOK SELECTION
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
Caley Long
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Circulation
- Worked 4 years in the library
CALEY’S BOOK SELECTION
ABOUT THE SELECTION
This novel has always fascinated since the first time I read it freshman year of high school. The way it interweaves time and history is particularly engaging. The child narrator and his painful past left me thinking long after I finished the book.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I love the Circulation/Reserve staff! I’ve never worked with such a friendly, genuinely sincere group of people. I’ll miss printing holds and shelving, honestly.
Marissa Raymo
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Reference
- Worked 4 years in the library
MARISSA’S BOOK SELECTION
The Once and Future King by T.H. White
ABOUT THE SELECTION
Arthurian legend is something that I’ve been interested in ever since learning about it in middle school. In “The Once and Future King,” White manages to make the characters more human, more flawed, more real than I had ever imagined them to be before. The characters have been so shrouded in myth and legend over the years that they are recognizable to most in the English speaking world (who doesn’t know about the good and righteous King Arthur, the love affair between Lancelot and Queen Guinevere, so much so that you believe them to be real. Although the characters are the same and the story is one we have all heard before, he manages a light comedy – following young Wart (Arthur) through his youth as a squire to finding his place as rightful king of Britain – to a dark narrative that explores the difficulty in finding justice and peace in a heavily conflicted and corrupted world without losing its readability. The author’s views on life, the environment, justice, destiny, and Might vs. Right shine in the fanciful prose that makes the text interesting and immensely enjoyable to read.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
Aside from the fact that you can do your homework while working at the desk (AFTER you’ve done all Reference work, of course…), the library is a great place to work. I have a new-found respect for the work and dedication that goes into running a library. I definitely have an appreciation for all of the work that the librarians do in order to keep us students happy and prepared to do work. The librarians are great people and really enjoy their work, and that’s something that makes our (the student employees) work environment fun to work in.
Megan Raymo
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Reference
- Worked 4 years in the library
MEGAN’S BOOK SELECTION
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I read this book for the first time in 7th grade. It was the first “fantasy” book I ever read and is still one of the best. It is literally a heart-pounder; I would get so invested in the adventures and turmoils of the company that I would bite my nails and race through the pages to figure out how in the world those dwarves (and hobbit) would get out of their predicament. The lore is so rich, the writing so funny and engaging, and the characters so charming and wonderful that this is easily one of my all-time favorites. I’ve read this book probably 3 or 4 times and the adrenaline rush that kicks in is no less potent than the first time. in addition, this book also contains what is probably my favorite chapter of any book I’ve read thus far: Riddles in the Dark.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
All the free food the student workers get! Student appreciation days are the best, although the treat bags we get at Halloween are a close, close second. Also, all of the librarians are really fun and friendly. it’s nice to go into work where everyone is willing to help and totally into their jobs. I really enjoyed working with all of them.
Anne Reeder
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Reference
- Worked 4 years in the library
ANNE’S BOOK SELECTION
At Swim, Two Boys by Jamie O’Neill
ABOUT THE SELECTION
“At Swim, Two Boys” inspired my love of Irish history and reaminds one of the most powerful and moving works of fiction I have ever read. I first read the novel at the age of sixteen and continue to look to its primary lessons in both my personal and academic life. “At Swim, Two Boys” introduced me to the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin and the Great War in British colonial history. I credit the book with generating the passionate interest in these topics that ultimately led to my eye-opening study abroad experience in Northern Ireland. The book’s beautiful prose and use of Irish dialect make for a fascinating and rewarding read.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I have especially enjoyed all of the wonderful librarians with whom I have worked over the past four years. Your warmth, joy, and good humor have always inspired me. Thank you for making my library experience so amazing and memorable!
Ellen Rogers
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Circulation
- Worked 4 years in the library
ELLEN’S BOOK SELECTION
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I chose this Annie Dillard in particular because she pulls together spirit and science elegantly and powerfully. It’s poetry about the best and the worst of this world.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I like knowing how our library operates and who operates it (the wonderful staff).
Alexandra Betzler
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Periodicals
- Worked 4 years in the library
ALEXANDRA’S BOOK SELECTION
Stiliyana Stamenova
- Year of Graduation: 2009
- Library Department: Lower Level
- Worked 4 years in the library
STILIYANA’S BOOK SELECTION
