Dancing With the Carts: UW-Stout Library to Make Noise at Homecoming Parade
Don’t expect UW-Stout librarians to shush revelers at the homecoming parade. Instead, they’ll rattle book carts while blaring rap music.
“We’re trying to break the quietness in the library,” said circulation supervisor Elizabeth Steans, who organized the University Library book cart drill team. “I think that’s why we chose the Beastie Boys.”
The University Library will participate in the UW-Stout homecoming parade Saturday, Oct. 8, in Menomonie. While spinning book carts along city streets, six staff members will perform synchronized maneuvers to the hip-hop jam “So What’cha Want.”
“We’re kind of walking with a swagger,” Steans said. “We got a little attitude.”
UW-Stout is celebrating its 125th anniversary. To highlight campus history, drill team members will decorate book carts with vintage library photos. Staff also have invited library retirees to join the parade.
“It’s been a good team effort,” librarian Ann Vogl said. “We hope it will be good PR for the library. We want them to come cheer us on.”
Book cart drill teams traditionally have been confined to library conferences. However, the University Library recognized the homecoming parade as an opportunity to shed the stuffy librarian stereotype.
“It’s a great way for the library to be part of campus and show our whimsical side,” interim director Susan Lindahl said. “We need to reach out and be seen outside the building.”
Although practices have built camaraderie, the book cart drill team is eager to bust a move for Blue Devils fans. “It’s that people know that we’re a fun, approachable place for students,” Vogl said. “We hope it will get our name out there.”
What: UW-Stout homecoming parade
When: 11am to noon, Saturday, Oct. 8
Parade start: Broadway St. South and 10th Ave. East, Menomonie
Web: www.uwstout.edu/homecoming/parade.cfmUW-Stout homecoming schedule: www.uwstout.edu/homecoming
