Welcome to Our New Reference Librarian!

We have a new face at the Reference Desk! 

Getting to know Chris Allen:

When did you know you wanted to be a librarian?

I have always had a passion for libraries. Even as a little kid, I would play "library" with my younger brother and sister. I still find children's books at my parents' house with my home-made date due stamps in the back.

All through grade school and high school I worked in the school libraries as a volunteer. As I got older, I was able to get summer work and got paid to be in the library. This set my career path.

What is your favorite part of being a librarian?

My favorite part of being a librarian would have to be talking with students about what they like to read. I am always interested to hear about the different kinds of things that they like and that helps to inform me about new materials the library should have.

What is your favorite book?

Picking a favorite book would be difficult. I really enjoy almost everything that Stephen King has written and am a big fan of his. There are a few of his that I have read several times such as Pet Sematary, The Stand, and It.

I also love the Harry Potter series and have read that at least three times.

Another favorite is Charlotte's Web.

Anything else you'd like to share? 

My sister and I are both Nazareth Alums. I graduated in 1997 and she did in 2000. Now, my daughter is just finishing her freshman year at Nazareth.

I have been a school librarian at Wayland-Cohocton for the past 19 years and I have been the Freshman Class and National Honor Society advisor for 17 years.

My wife and I have a small farm with over 50 chickens.

Feel free to drop by the desk and say Hi! 

Gilbert E. Griswold – Carved Cane

What’s new in the library? Whether you’re stopping by Millie’s or coming in for a class, take a moment to look at our newest display. In the case in front of John Menihan’s portraits of the Wilmots is a carved wooden cane. But not just any cane. Look again. The cane consists of beautifully carved animals rendered in fantastical style.  The handle is crowned with a mythological hybrid horse but other creatures emerge as you look closer.

The cane was carved by Gilbert E. Griswold (1857-1947). Griswold was a sculptor originally from Pennsylvania who moved to California, first to San Francisco and then to Los Angeles in 1907. He was active in his field until his death in San Bernardino, CA.

The cane was donated to Nazareth College’s Art Department in 1994 by Kenn Scullin, a California native who had relocated to Rochester. It came into his family’s possession along with a table also carved by Griswold. A note states that it was given to the donor’s uncle by the artist for “helping him in time of need” after the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

The library staff is very excited to have this carving on permanent display for our community. It really is a wonderful piece of Americana for everyone to enjoy and is quickly becoming a treasured addition to the library’s growing art collection.

Deborah Janetos, Reference Librarian and College Archivist

National Library Week is April 9-14!

There is no better time to show your love of school, public, and college libraries!

All this week you can show your support for all the wonderful work that libraries do in our communities.  Here are a couple of ideas from the American Library Association:

• Visit your local library and see what they're up to!  And we don't mean just us...the Pittsford Community Library is just down the street!
• Show your support on social media:
• Use hashtags #nationallibraryweek and #librariestransform on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
• Follow I Love Libraries on FB and Twitter

• April 12 is Take Action for Libraries Day
• Libraries need your help, so consider getting involved by talking to your elected representatives about the importance of libraries to your community. #fundlibraries
• Take time to reflect on how a library or librarian has helped you achieve something in life.  Then share that knowledge with someone else!

Above all, go out and enjoy your libraries! 

References:

American Library Association:  Celebrate National Library Week