Such Gainful Employment: A Poem by CarlaJean Valluzzi

In honor of National Library and Student Employee Appreciation Week, enjoy a poem written by CarlaJean Valluzzi, Student Assistant, Circulation Department.

Such Gainful Employment
By CarlaJean Valluzzi

I push the cart | weave a path through the stacks | forgetting it there in front of me.
Maybe it’s the air from some other age |caught between | each thin skin of page,
preserved | : | proteose colloids, condensed tannins, pastes of wheat and rice;
it just feels right | tastes sweet to be so fortunate | to spend my days, voluminous
amongst my favorite strangers | some of whom I’ve laid my eyes upon | near spiritual occasions.
I read the names as I pass, the call numbers | long for the sun to stay | high a little bit longer
as though to conjure | such lives as they have | out of nothing but my own mind . . .
That’s where you can find me | on a Monday, or a Friday | wheeling, shelving; listening quietly.

Best disguise wins a prize

Langsdale Library is celebrating Halloween by hosting a masquerade contest in October to coincide with our promotional READ posters. You and your disguise will grace a READ poster to be displayed in the library. It's a great way to celebrate the season, to wow the UB community with your creativity, and to show off your love of books. Also, prizes will be awarded for best costume! To enter:

1. Select a book from Langsdale's collection. Search our databases (http://langsdale.ubalt.edu/catalog/index.htm) or ask a reference librarian to help you locate the book you want.

2. Create a costume that relates to the book somehow. Creativity and humor are encouraged!

3. Either photograph yourself in full costume holding up or enjoying your chosen book, or come into the library in costume to have your photo taken by Langsdale Circulation Specialist Erin Toepfner. E-mail her (etoepfner@ubalt.edu) or call her (410.837.4208) to make an appointment.

4. Wait for the winner(s) to be announced at the end of October. Even if you don't win, you'll still be on a READ poster wearing your incredible disguise.