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Have you ever wondered how Anderson Academic Commons continually updates its collection of books, scores, films and other research materials? The answer lies with a group of volunteers — initially women — who have been supporting the University Libraries, ����AV students and faculty since 1956.

Sixty years ago, Chester M Alter, then ����AV’s chancellor, was concerned about the library’s inability to purchase items for its collection. Alter asked University Trustee Marion Gottesfeld to assemble a group to address the library’s needs. Gottesfeld and eight fellow volunteers formed the Women’s Library Association (WLA), held fundraisers and solicited donations to support the library.

Since then, the WLA has expanded its membership to include men and subsequently become the University Library Association (ULA). The group continues to fund its endowment — which has grown to $1 million of support for the library’s materials — through guest lectures and social events. Members of the ULA also operate the Book Stack, a used bookstore housed in the Mary Reed Building on ����AV’s campus. Many former faculty and staff members from ����AV, student workers and members of the surrounding community are part of the ULA today.

Lois Jones and Pat Fisher, both retired ����AV librarians, are two ULA members who work in the Book Stack each week. Fisher says that after working for University Libraries for more than 30 years, she felt indebted to the ULA for its support and began to volunteer out of gratitude. “The ULA’s support of the library was really important, especially in the 1980s when the University was going through really tough times,” Fisher says.

Jones, who has been working at the Book Stack for the last 10 years, notes that her involvement in the ULA allows her to remain close to an institution she admires. “I thought volunteering would be a good way to keep up my connection with the library and the University,” she explains. “You’re doing something for the University Libraries, but I also enjoy the camaraderie.”