Book Browsers Return to the Rosenberg Library

The Rosenberg Library reopened the second floor of the Moody Wing and the computer lab on the Mezzanine on July 11, 2009. Many book browsers celebrated the reopening of the adult book stacks by attending the celebration and returning in large numbers in the days that followed. Searching for books by title, author or subject online was not what many readers wanted when the stacks were closed. Just being able to locate a subject area by Dewey Decimal number, actually view the books, open them, and browse among the stacks was sorely missed by library readers. Longfellow said it best: “The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books.”
Since the reopening, the library has been very busy with many returning patrons browsing materials and using the computer lab.
The reopening celebration included an art exhibit in the McCullough Room with artwork from the Museum collection that featured such artists as Winslow Homer, Edvard Munch, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, included were local artists such as Boyer Gonzales and Julius Stockfleth.
On display were historic photographs from the library’s Galveston and Texas History Center of various rooms in the Rosenberg Wing which was built in the 1900s. These historical photos were placed near the entrances to the actual rooms so that patrons could see what the rooms looked like – a virtual “then” and “now”. The Dorian String Quartet played in the future Gibson Reading Room. Members of the Quartet generously, some with library connections generously volunteered their talents to the Rosenberg Library. The Treasure of the Month - foot stocks from an early Galveston county jail - was unveiled on the Mezzanine level. The children’s department unveiled their collection, and sponsored a treasure hunt along with featuring Biscuit, a character from Alyssa Satin Capucilli’s beginning reader’s series of books. Thanks to the Mosquito Café for cookies, food, and their refreshing papaya mint iced tea.

The evening culminated with drawings for prizes that were prepared by the Galveston and Texas History Center and the Museum staff.