On Monday, August 26th, the first day of fall classes, the University of Michigan campus buzzed with excitement. In the heart of campus, the Shapiro Library hosted its annual Party For Your Mind event, welcoming students into the new semester by offering several free activities, free swag, and information about the U-M Library.
Inside the Shapiro lobby, new and returning students gathered to enjoy a slice of pizza. Library staff helped students show their Michigan pride by taking pictures featuring the University of Michigan Block M. Nearby, students also connected back to their home by pinning their hometown on the library's hometown map. Others were hard at work in the ‘Free the Wolverine’ escape room challenge on the second floor. The 3rd floor of Shapiro was alive with students taking a break from their studies to get their palm read, play a video game, or make a personalized button.
As a library Student Ambassador, I assisted students with the postcard activity. The postcards featured one of campus’ adorable squirrels. It was exciting to see the amount of postcards getting sent abroad, meaning the Diag’s squirrels have gone global! I spoke with many first-year and returning students alike about signing up for our email list so they would not miss out on future library events and opportunities.
Beyond the fun, Party for Your Mind introduced students to all the library has to offer, including study areas, academic resources, and dedicated spaces for creators, all of which help students maximize both their studies and wellness. Throughout the year, both library staff and the Student Ambassador team will continue to host similar events which give students the opportunity to relax and meet new people. Overall, Party for Your Mind was the perfect way to kick off the school year, giving students a place to meet new people and learn about library events and resources.
