News & Events

On Friday, May 2, our Metadata Librarian, Stephanie Sussmeier, led a Book Mending Workshop at Georgian Court University. The two-hour, in-person session, hosted by LibraryLinkNJ and VALE New Jersey, drew attendees from across the region. During the workshop, Stephanie demonstrated a variety of essential book repair techniques, including page tipping, page and corner repair, spine repair and replacement, hinge reinforcement, and cover restoration.

In addition to the practical demonstrations, she shared insights on selecting the right materials for different types of books—such as hardcovers versus paperbacks—and offered budget-friendly tips using everyday items. She also addressed the pros and cons of various treatment methods, explained how to choose the most appropriate repair strategy, and discussed the expected lifespan of different mending approaches. The workshop provided valuable skills and knowledge for anyone working to preserve and extend the life of their library’s (or personal) book collections.

If you are interested in learning more about book repair or hosting Stephanie for a book mending workshop, feel free to email her at Stephanie.Sussmeier@stockton.edu.

On Wednesday, April 30, Stockton’s Alliance Heritage Center invited our Access and Engagement Coordinator, Jess Martorano, and our Student Engagement Aid, Luke O’Connor, to present “Future-Proofing the Library” as part of their Mellon lecture series. This engaging talk offered the campus community a closer look at the evolving role of academic libraries and how Stockton is preparing to meet future needs. Jess and Luke shared key insights from their research following more than 20 visits to university libraries across the region. Their goal: to help shape Stockton’s vision of a “Library of the Future.” Through photos, anecdotes, and comparative examples, they highlighted trends in library design and services that prioritize adaptability, student-centered learning, and innovation. Topics included the integration of emerging technologies to support research and creativity, the reimagining of traditional study areas into flexible, multi-use learning environments, and the growing role of Special Collections in preserving institutional identity and supporting unique learning opportunities. 

To explore their findings in more detail and see examples from their visits, click here to view the presentation slides and discover what the future of Bjork Library could look like. 

On Tuesday, April 8, the Library hosted the Stockton Works Reception at the Upper Coffeehouse Overlook Lounge, as part of Stockton’s STARS celebration. This year’s event celebrated Hidden Among the Stacks: Treasures of a Library, published by our own South Jersey Culture and History Center. The event featured a keynote on the book’s journey by Professor Tom Kinsella, who oversaw the writing and production of this title, a special publication honoring our library’s history and envisioning its future. Dr. Kinsella also invited student contributors to share insights on their portion on the book. These students from the Literature Senior Seminar conducted interviews with library staff, faculty, and supporters, capturing their stories and reflections to document the library’s history and its evolving role in our academic community. The night was capped off by a preview of the new library plans with Dan Sernotti, Facilities Planning & Construction Project Manager & Architect, and Jess Martorano, the library’s Access & Engagement Coordinator. The evening was a meaningful tribute to the library’s past, present, and future—honoring the voices that shaped its story and offering a glimpse into what’s to come.

If you'd like to read it, borrow Hidden Among the Stacks: Treasures of a Library from our library here.