ENMU's Golden Library hosting summer events

The Eastern New Mexico University campus feels quiet this time of year with spring graduation in the rearview mirror and many students opting for online summer classes.

Two community-minded librarians have decided that makes it the perfect time to lure local residents into Golden Library and the Golden Student Success Center and onto the beautifully manicured campus for some weekly free events.

I met up with Hollie Bellinger and Alex Engels last week on the main floor of the GSSC.

Bellinger is the government information and open education resources librarian, and Engels is the instruction and engagement librarian.

The day I met them, they were camped out at a table with craft supplies on hand – Bellinger was knitting a dishcloth and Engels was working on a cross-stitched piece.

The time from noon to 2 p.m. every Tuesday through June and July has been designated “Tuesday Crafternoon” at the tables near the Einstein Bros. Bagel shop inside the GSSC. Bellinger and Engels invite any interested crafters to bring lunch and a project and join them.

These librarians have also committed to lead twice-weekly sessions they are calling “Campus Walk and Talk.” Those are scheduled for 7:30-8 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday for the next two months.

The walking group meets on the west side of the GSSC, facing the interior of campus. Walkers are welcome to bring friendly dogs on leashes, and are also encouraged to carry a water bottle and make a pit stop ahead of time as the GSSC doesn’t open until 8 a.m.

Both of these activities share similar goals: Get folks onto campus into settings where conversations can happen and friendships can be built.

“Alex had the idea to do this,” Bellinger said, and Engels added, “We did things we both enjoy. We both like crafts. We both enjoy walking around campus.”

I sat in on the first Crafternoon, watching as a few more knitters, another cross-stitcher, a beadworker, and a potential scrapbooker settled into nearby tables, exchanging names and querying each other about ongoing projects.

Although I’m historically inept at crafting, I can attest this was a most congenial gathering. Much to my relief, the librarians confirmed that we are not required to craft to attend — if you’re looking for a cool place to spend a couple of hours every Tuesday with fine company, this is a place for you.

Those early morning walks are also designed to beat the summer heat. Bellinger said there was a good turnout for the first session on Wednesday.

“Our route took us around the tennis courts and by the new ENMU Outdoor Fitness Center, and we managed to walk a little over a mile at a very easy pace,” she said. “When we ended our walk, we were greeted by the fresh scent of bacon and bagels baking from Einstein’s, which was lovely for anyone wanting breakfast.”

Bellinger and Engels also hope these crafting and walking groups will bring people into the Student Success Center who might not have been before.

“It’s even as simple as encouraging people to use this building,” Engels said, reminding us that their collection is accessible to all simply by signing up for a free ENMU community library card at the main floor information desk.

“We even have a limited number of board games that can be checked out,” Bellinger added.

Crafts, walks, dogs, books, games, coffee … and maybe even some new friends. Sounds like a perfect summer to me.

Need to know more? Visit

http://www.enmu.edu/summerprograms or call Bellinger at 575-562-2258 or Engels at 575-562-2640.

Betty Williamson loves projects that build community. Reach her at:

[email protected]