The ZSR Library Blog
Shepard Memorial Library, Greenville, NC. Photo by Lauren Clossey, NC State Library Book Repair. It’s become an important calling for me, and something I am passionate about. The week of June 16-20, I taught book repair workshops in Greenville (Shepard Memorial Public Library), Hillsborough (Orange County Public Library), and Asheville (Enka-Candler Public Library). Library staff... Continue reading “Craig Crosses Carolina” ›
Over twenty years ago, I walked through the doors of the Z. Smith Reynolds library for the first time. I climbed the steps to the eighth floor to interview for my first job after college: serving as a Microtext Specialist. I wasn’t sure what my future held, but I immediately sensed that Wake Forest University... Continue reading “A Message from the New Dean, Lauren Pressley” ›
By now, you may be familiar with ZSR’s Book Drive and Welcome! Back to School event supporting Anderson Academy (at Crossnore). However, you may be curious about the latest results and next big components of the project. As a reminder, the Welcome! Back to School Campaign is supported by the ZSR Innovation & Opportunity Grant,... Continue reading “Anderson Academy Book Drive Results & Next Steps” ›
In the fall of 2024, we were approached by Mary Kate Mauney, a Public History graduate student at UNC Greensboro, with an exciting research proposal involving the Hephzibah Baptist Church records. She wrote: “Freedom From, Freedom To” will be a digital history project and commemorative event that unveils the lives of 16 free people of... Continue reading “Hephzibah Baptist Church: A Digital History Collaboration” ›
We received a record number of requests this fiscal year – eight proposals with funding requests ranging from $140 to $2,100. These projects support student wellness, community engagement, and create learning and growth opportunities for ZSR faculty and staff. Created and supported by gifts from the ZSR Board of Visitors, these grants sustain and augment... Continue reading “FY25 Innovation and Opportunity Grants Awarded 2024-2025” ›
Some have accused me of a strange design Against the creed and morals of the land, And trace it in this poem every line: I don’t pretend that I quite understand My own meaning when I would be very fine; But the fact is that I have nothing plann’d, Unless it was to be a... Continue reading “Byron’s Don Juan” ›
You are invited to join us this summer for two virtual book club sessions focused on the animals that share our world. Come join us for thoughtful and lively discussion as we explore the roles animals play in our lives — and what they tell us about ourselves. Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some... Continue reading “2025 ZSR Board of Visitors Virtual Book Club” ›
Cultural insight emerges from the NC Baptist Historical Collection housed within ZSR’s Special Collections and Archives, particularly from over a thousand reel-to-reel audio recordings from the middle 20th century that are currently available online within the Baptist State Convention of NC Digital Collection. Approximately 1,100 recordings captured during a span of a half century –... Continue reading “Baptist Echoes From the Past” ›
As we begin the official start to summer break, ZSR Librarians and staff members wanted to take this opportunity to share a few reading recommendations for all our summer readers out there. We have also included a special collection of digital audiobooks for your summer listening enjoyment. And please feel free to share your own... Continue reading “What to Read This Summer 😎” ›
Shannon Bothwell, a dedicated volunteer in ZSR Special Collection and Archives, offers this reflection on her work to transcribe an entire volume of records for a historically significant North Carolina church. Transcribing the Minutes of Cashie Baptist Church, Volume 1 (1791-1832) Bringing hidden treasures into the light is a signature activity of archivists everywhere, and... Continue reading “Transcription Update from SCA Volunteer Shannon Bothwell” ›