On Monday, August 31, 2026, the first day of the fall semester, the Shapiro Undergraduate Library hosted Party For Your Mind—an event designed to welcome (and welcome back) students to the library. The library offered food and activities to all who wandered in and to those already in need of a study break.
Students lined up to have their palms read and tarot pulled on the third floor of the library. In the Shapiro Gallery, arts and crafts supplies were spread out on the tables, so that students could make pins out of magazine pages or design their own. I was stationed here and was able to instruct students on using the button machine. Outside the gallery, students were able to fill out adorable squirrel post-cards. These were then mailed domestically and internationally by the library to their friends and family, letting them know how the new school year was going.
On the first floor, the design lab was open and giving demos to curious students. Students were able to use an old-fashioned letter press in order to learn about printmaking. Outside the library, WCBN student radio was playing music for passers-by to enjoy, and students were able to get their photo taken with the Block M.
As for the more practical purpose of PFYM, library resources were also provided to students on the first floor, offering them library swag, study materials, and information on how to get involved with and utilize Michigan’s system of libraries.