UChicago Library Community Day

More than 200 community members attended the inaugural University of Chicago Library Community Day on August 17. The South Side and campus communities came together for a rich array of educational experiences, as they toured the Joseph Regenstein and Joe and Rika Mansueto libraries. Visitors were guided through a Scavenger Hunt exhibition in Special Collections and a display of East Asian resources, saw maps documenting the history of Chicago, learned about the Library’s high-tech Preservation Laboratory, and received assistance digitizing their treasured family photos and letters. They also attended presentations by the Black Metropolis Research Consortium. Family friendly activities included face painting, picnic treats, inflatables on Regenstein’s A Level, a DJ, and storytime.

Attendees learned that the Library is open to all and that they can return to Regenstein and Mansueto to consult print and digital resources in the Library’s extraordinary collections.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

A visitor survey revealed that 100% of respondents were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the overall event.

Danielle McConnell, Director of Community Engagement, joined the Library in 2023 and was delighted to organize and host this event. “The success of our inaugural UChicago Library Community Day is just the beginning,” McConnell said. “We are thrilled by the overwhelming enthusiasm and engagement, and we look forward to deepening these connections. This event marks the start of many more opportunities for learning, exploration, and collaboration as we continue to open our doors and resources to the broader community.”