Gleeson Library | Geschke Center is a place where people not only find research and reading materials, but also connect with friends and colleagues to work together or just talk. During remote learning and social distancing, Gleeson has sought out ways to create and continue connections and community through the Library.
In November 2020, Gleeson Library | Geschke Center launched a program called Gleeson Greetings to help USF folks offer their loved ones a little bit of cheer, connection, and encouragement at the end of last year. We invited USF folks to tell us about someone they care about via an online form. Then, we sent a free, handwritten greeting card to those who had been nominated. Senders were invited to include a personalized message and could choose from cards appropriate for Finals Week, Winter Commencement, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa – or just a general note of care.
We wrote close to 50 cards, and posted them to places all over the United States and the world. We mailed one card to an international location! Many people sent messages of encouragement for finals and cards of thanks and gratitude. As part of our Gleeson Greetings project, we also wrote 25 cards to youth and social workers at Braid Mission Cards of Hope, an organization that supports Bay Area youth in the foster care system.
While we might be learning in different physical places right now, we’re glad the Library could help bring us and our loved ones together through Gleeson Greetings last year.
Great idea!