“In Praise of Shadows,” an exhibit of original paintings and drawings by artist Ben Schwab reflects the never-ending cycle of movement, especially in large, urban environments, where populations, landscapes and economic conditions are constantly evolving.

On Friday, October 7, from 4 to 6 p.m., there will be an opening reception for the exhibit, which will be on display at the Wilson Art Gallery from October 7 – November 4 during regular library hours. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. For more information, call (315) 445-4153.

We ask the question: “Should information be free, or for a fee?” on our Writing Wall in the Library, and you get to tell us what you think! It’s a complex question, and many perspectives are welcome. Paper will be available on the Writing Wall (across from the bathrooms) throughout October so that you can voice your thoughts.

Come enjoy popcorn and a movie in the Bernat Special Activities Room on Wednesday October 19 at 7 pm. “The Internet’s Own Boy” depicts the life of American computer programmer, writer, political organizer and Internet activist Aaron Swartz. It features interviews with his family and friends as well as the internet luminaries who worked with him. The film tells his story up to his eventual suicide after a legal battle, and explores the questions of access to information and civil liberties that drove his work.

Throughout the month of October, students may enter to win their very own reserved individual study room to use from December 5 until December 16. This will give students the space you need to finish those papers, study for exams and complete those projects! Entries can be submitted to the box on the Library Services Desk. Only one entry per person. The winner will be drawn on Tuesday November 1.

Enjoy a panel discussion on the topic of Open Access on Wednesday, October 26 from 4-5:30 pm in Grewen Auditorium. The panelists will include:

Anne Rauh, Librarian for Science and Engineering, Syracuse University
Rauh will provide an overview of Open Access (OA). What is it? Why is it important to libraries?

Emily Ledgerwood, Ph.D, assistant professor, Biology, Le Moyne College
Ledgerwood will share her experiences as a scholar who has published in OA journals. Why did she choose this model? What is the role of OA to the scientific community?

Chris Forster, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, Syracuse University
Forster will tie the themes of OA to those discussed in the COR100 common reading, A Room of One’s Own. Virginia Woolf was an advocate for information access for all, but as a self-publisher, might she also be tapped into the financial implications? Is there a place for OA in the humanities?

This event is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Noreen Reale Falcone Library and the Core Curriculum. For more information, call Kelly Delevan at (315) 445-4154.