By Kathleen Weir
Card
catalogs may be outdated in most libraries across the
country, but Butler
Library at Buffalo
State College is bringing them back with a whole new
twist.
In honor of National
Poetry Month, Buffalo State reference librarian and
poet Lisa Forrest created an innovative way to recycle old
card catalog cards. Her creation is called the Card
Catalog Poetry Project.
As part of this project, students, faculty
and staff can participate in taking one or two old card
catalog cards and redesigning them with their poetry and
artwork in any way that they would like.
The poetry will be displayed in Butler Library’s exhibit
case just inside the front entrance throughout the month
of April. As an added bonus, a free reading has been scheduled
for 2 p.m. April 27 in Room 208 of the library so poets
can read their work.
Anyone interested in participating in the
project should go to the Reference Desk in the library and
ask for an information packet that includes directions and
the two card catalog cards.
It’s not clear how many students will
ultimately participate in the project. Forrest said: “I
hope we can encourage as many students as possible to get
involved. We’ve had a good turnout so far and I hope
the enthusiasm continues for the rest of the month. I think
poetry is a great way for people to express themselves.”
She said that she looks forward to making this an annual
event.
When asked if he would ever participate in such a project,
junior Karl Smith said: “I don’t think I would
do it. I mean, it’s cool and all but I just don’t
have the time to do something like that. I think it’s
great that they are trying to raise awareness for National
Poetry Month, but I really just don’t have the time.
I think that poetry is important for today’s youth
because it makes us all think.”
Sophomore Amanda Miller said: “I think
it’s a good idea but I’m not good at poetry
so I wouldn’t do it.”
For an idea of what the project will look
like and how it has been done before, visit http://www.geocities.com/karenchopra/about.htm,
or stop by the display that has already begun near the entrance
of the library. For more information contact Forrest at
forresla@buffalostate.edu
or (716)878-6312.
Kathleen Weir can be contacted at Weirka50@buffalostate.edu
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