Friends of Hanley Library donate laptops for student use

Friends of the Hanley Library at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford have donated two laptop computers this year for students.

Students are able to use the laptops inside and outside of the library. Marietta Frank, director of the library, said that three previous laptops donated by the group have been very popular with students, and so she had requested that the group donate more.

The Friends of Hanley Library exist to support the library. Each year, the group donates items to make the library more comfortable for students, including computer tables and other furniture.

In addition to items to enhance student comfort, the organization has donated works of art such as a numbered replica of the Pitt-Bradford panther statue by Bradford native Dave Hodges and an original painting by Bradford native and Chronicles of Narnia illustrator, Roger Hane.

“We're a support group for the university and the community,” Friends' president James Guelfi said.

Since its creation in 1990 the Friends have played an active role in the community by hosting public events focused on local, alumni, and faculty authors four times a year. Other activities are an annual book sale fundraiser and a Seasonal Reading program on WESB's Live Line.

The Friends was the idea of Pitt-Bradford staff member Betty Blaisdell, who served as president of the organization for fifteen years. It was and still is the only organization of its kind out of all the Pitt campuses.

Guelfi, who was among the original members and officers, described the organization as “A group of friends that became friends of the Hanley Library.”

Current vice president Dr. Holly Spittler said, “The thing that we all have in common is books, culture, and a value of what a library brings to the college and the community.”

In addition to an annual reception for its members, the Friends has a benefit that many in the community appreciate, the ability to check books out from the library's 95,000 volumes.

To find out more information or join the Friends, visit www.library.pitt.edu/friends-hanley-library.