University of St. Francis Library Archives

Barbara Cooke is an alumna of USF whose career in musical theater has spanned 30+ years. She spent time on stage in both Chicago and New York City, all the while collecting sheet music, books and other items related to musical theater. In order to assure that her life's work will be taken care of into the future, Barbara contacted the Music Department here at USF, looking for a good home for her collection. The faculty in the Music Department contacted the library and we quickly realized the enormous asset that this collection would be to our school and students. The collection officially opened with the Grand Opening Reception held on March 27, 2009. Guests were treated to wine, fruit, cheese and crackers, and tid-bits of musical theater information from Barbara Cooke herself. Use of the materials in the Barbara A. Cooke Musical Theatre Collection is restricted to the Barbara Cooke room. For any questions or requests please see the Archives Librarian in the USF Library Archi...

Many of the names of buildings on our campus have significance to our school and the Moser Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is no exception. Harold and Margaret Moser were long time benefactors of the University of St. Francis when the new performing arts center was named for them. Margaret Moser was an alum of the school and together with her husband provided much needed support throughout the years to many projects and programs. Harold and Margaret Moser pictured here with President John C. Orr.

April is National Poetry Month , a chance to "celebrate poetry and its vital place in our culture". Check out these great websites to learn more about poetry, poets and poem lovers. Academy of American Poets National Poetry Month - Academy of American Poets Infoplease Abraham Lincoln and Poetry (Library of Congress Web Guide) Library of Congress Poetry Resources Illinois Poet Laureate - Kevin Stein US Poet Laureate - Kay Ryan The USF Library Archives has many poetry books in both the John L. Raymond Special Collection and the Rare Book Collection . Visit the Reading Room to peruse books by: T. S. Eliot Emily Dickinson James R. Lowell William Cullen Bryant E. E. Cummings Robert Frost Randall Jarrell Joyce Kilmer Wallace Stevens Marianne Moore John Dryden John Masefield and many more!

National Library Week is April 12-18. Sponsored by the American Library Association , libraries around the country are promoting and celebrating their staff, services and patrons. At the USF Library we have a number of ways that you can participate in our celebrations: 1) Free Cookies ! 2) Best Books Wall - add your favorite book to the white board and take a look at the display of last years "Best Books". 3) Scavenger Hunt - learn more about the library with a chance to win a USF t-shirt. Look for the clues here or on the cookie table. 4) Free Cookies! 5) Puzzle - take a break from studying and help assemble the puzzle. So come on in and help us celebrate! (Did I mention Free Cookies?) ** Congratulations to Rene Barrios, winner of the National Library Week Scavenger Hunt **