Gifts to Van Wylen Library - Meet Grace Mooney contribute to...
Some might see libraries as rigid, static spaces, but Grace Mooney ’26 sees the Van Wylen Library as a reflection of the diverse and vibrant Hope College community.
By working as an office and mending associate in the Technical Services department, Grace Mooney gets an up-close look at the inner workings of Van Wylen Library. “I assist in physically protecting and cataloging our new books,” she said. “I ensure their longevity. I also nurse our library materials back to health. It can certainly feel a bit impolite to dismantle the books before restoring them, but such discomfort spurs reward.”
Grace Mooney, from Lansing, Mich., is inspired by Van Wylen Library’s excellence and commitment to put students first. “There is so much emphasis on student empowerment. Upon entering the library, you see ‘The Library is Yours,’ instilling a sense of ownership in students,” she shared. “I have found that the library’s materials reflect the relevant interests of our students.”
The psychology major also has noticed that this commitment extends to the library’s staff. “My supervisor is Sarah Baar. She is dedicated to maintaining metadata, furthering the accuracy and specificity that allows for library materials to be accessed with ease,” said Grace Mooney, who plans to pursue an advanced degree in quantitative psychology upon graduation.
She’s thankful for donors like you. “To grant knowledge is to grant power. And with your generosity, we're able to nourish the minds of Hope students in a growth-promoting space,” she said thoughtfully. “Like the library, your support bolsters student development and discernment of identity by providing a breadth of resources. It's warming to know that there are folks who encourage the advancement of such resources.”
A gift to the library creates endless potential that nourishes minds — the minds of Hope College students and community members alike — by helping to support operations, develop collections, improve spaces and empower students. Will you say “yes” to making a gift to Van Wylen Library today?
