Indiana State University Newsroom

Asia Smith, a junior exercise science major from Gary, had fun making a nametag to be laminated at the Cunningham Memorial Library's seventh annual Library Extravaganza.

"I love arts and crafts. It's a time to relax, get away from class for awhile, and learn more about our library and the free services they offer," Smith said about the annual welcome back party thrown by the library.

The library's Extravaganza is an opportunity for the ISU community to learn about the various services the library offers, as well as other groups and departments on campus. Thousands of people received free gifts, food and information on Thursday, Sept. 10.

"The whole point of the Extravaganza is to welcome back students and faculty who have been away for the summer, as well as new students and faculty, to let them see the services and products we have and also to let them know that the people who work in the library are friendly," said Library Dean Alberta Comer. "We want students and faculty to come in and use it."

James Allen, a junior criminology and criminal justice major from Fort Wayne, enjoys going to the Library Extravaganza for the helpful information and the free food.

"I always forget the information about the databases," he said about why he goes each year. "That's probably the most helpful thing."

Alyssa Allen has also gone for the past three years and has enjoyed it every year.

"It's really cool to come here, eat and get some of the free items they are giving away," said Allen, a junior speech-language pathology major from Terre Haute.

This year, though, she did something she had never done before.

"I registered to vote," she said.

While some students like Smith and Allen return each year, some, like Sara Beckman, had never been to the Extravaganza before.

"It was my first time," said Beckman, a junior history major from Terre Haute. "I've always worked at the bookstore or been in class. I didn't realize how big it was-the whole first floor-and all the free stuff."

Beckman was surprised at the variety of booths represented.

"It is really cool that places from all over the university are here, like the Career Center, financial aid, dean of students. After orientation, you don't get a chance to talk to them, not unless you really need their services, or at least I don't. It's really cool that they're here," she said.

Derek Heinz, a sophomore transfer student, learned about the features the Career Center has available to students.

"I learned most about the Career Center, some of the things they offer, like internships and jobs," said Heinz, a physics education major from Vincennes.

As students gathered around, Karen Evans, associate librarian, explained that a specific librarian is assigned to each different school within ISU, and students should go to that librarian with questions, something some students did not know.

"It gives everyone a chance to see the different services we offer to students, faculty and staff," Evans said about the event.

Deanna Tyler, administrative assistant for facilities management, represented the ISU Recycling Center.

"We have shoelaces made from recycled soda bottles," Tyler said.

She went on to give the hours for the facility and some of the items they recycle. The Recycling Center is available for presentations and tours for schools in the area.

Starrla Eaglin, a commuter student from Brazil, has also attended the Extravaganza in the past, but Thursday she learned something new.

"I learned about the virtual classroom and the scholarship for commuter students that can possibly pay for gas or a parking pass," said Eaglin, a junior speech-language pathology major.

Students had the opportunity to visit different booths and turn in a card for a chance to win the grand prize, $500 cash.

Loren Williams, a freshman open preference major, won the grand prize.

Justin Pavolka, a freshman mechanical engineering technology major, and Scott Vinson, a junior recreation and sport management major, each won a $250 textbook voucher from Barnes and Noble bookstore. Various other prizes were awarded throughout the day.

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Contact: Alberta Comer, Indiana State University, Cunningham Memorial Library dean, at 812-237-2649 or alberta.comer@indstate.edu

Writer: Lana Schrock, Indiana State University, media relations assistant, at 812-237-3773 or lschrock1@indstate.edu

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/646097808_ArG5o-L.jpg

Cutline: Alberta Comer, ISU Cunningham Memorial Library dean, hands out bags as visitors enter the library during the seventh annual Extravaganza. ISU photo/ Gurinder Singh

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/646098265_UopSR-L.jpg

Cutline: Indiana State students learn more about library services during the seventh annual Extravaganza on Sept. 10. ISU photo/ Gurinder Singh