This time of year is typically a time when many of us look for ways to help the less fortunate within the community. At the River Campus Libraries (RCL), the pandemic has given our efforts a new sense of importance and urgency.  

Every November since 1975, the RCL has given its support to Baden Street Settlement. Founded in 1901, Baden Street is dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged individuals living in northeast Rochester. Most of the families helped by Baden Street receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps pay for food, but not other necessities, like soap, medicine, paper products, or prepared hot foods. With COVID-19 affecting families in different ways, this year, we’re collecting funds that will not only go toward the creation of a Thanksgiving meal, but also supplies that will care for a family’s economic, physical, and psychological well-being. 

Our Baden Street efforts are led by: 

  • MaryLou Biedenbach, library assistant at Carlson Science and Engineering Library 

  • Eileen Daly-Boas ʼ98 (MA), social sciences librarian 

  • Diana Golemb, RCL building and project assistant 

  • Jeff Jones, section supervisor for the Physics-Optics-Astronomy Library 

  • Lois Metcalf, junior accountant for RCL financial operations 

  • Katie Papas, section supervisor for Robbins Library 

For the past 25 years, we have also provided help during the holidays through Sojourner Home, which provides “permanent supportive housing for women and families whose lives have been impacted by homelessness, domestic violence, chronic poverty, family instability, mental health issues and substance use disorders.” Sarada George, library assistant at Carlson Library, has led an initiative over the last several years to add hundreds of new books to its children’s library. Many of us remember our first or favorite book, the book that set us on our path. We know that childhood reading is a steppingstone to literacy, educational success, and the use of creativity and imagination. This year Sojourner Home is going through an organizational transition. While we will not provide our usual donation, we hope to work with them again in future. 

I am immensely proud of the lengths my RCL colleagues go to in an effort to make their community ever better. Their generosity is especially moving during circumstances that exacerbate all challenges and hardships. 

On behalf of the RCL team, we are grateful for all the goodwill, support, and encouragement we have received, and we wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving. 

Mary Ann Mavrinac
Vice Provost and Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean
University of Rochester Libraries