Honors Student Builds Community Through Books with a New Little Library at the Honors Hub

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As students walk into the Honors Hub, some may notice a new surprise: a little library filled with exciting reads tucked away in the corner!

Misia “Michelle” Letowska, a CHC student ambassador and a junior speech, language and hearing sciences major, came up with the idea over the summer. She was inspired by the many little libraries located all around Western Massachusetts. In building and creating the little library, Letowska hopes that Honors students can take advantage of this new opportunity at the Honors Hub.

“I'm hoping it turns into a great way to not only celebrate but also build our community here.”

Dozens of titles, ranging from fantasy to biographies and everything in between, can be found at the library. Letowska noted how convenient it is for students to have the little library at the Honors Hub.

The little library offers a variety of titles and genres for students to explore.

“You could go to the Jones Library in Amherst or the Forbes Library in Northampton, but we are busy students! We may not have the time to take the bus or bike to these places.”

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If you look closely, you’ll notice the hand-painted books on the shelf created by Misia.

Students are invited to come to the Honors Hub, pick up a book and build community at CHC. Letowska hopes students will use the library as a way to relax and disconnect from the chaos of a busy college schedule!

As students carve out time to pick up a book from the library, Letowska encourages them to take note of the designs on the shelf. On the left, we have a vast fantasy illustration from some of her favorite fantasy novels. On the right are some of the CHC staff picks and some books from 201H, the class every Honors student takes. On top of the library, a beautiful African proverb chosen by CHC Dean Mari Castañeda is painted in ornate lettering: “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.”

If you would like to donate books to the library, you can drop them off at the CHC reception desk on the second or third floor of the CHC building.