Hidden on the bottom floor of the library, tucked behind a row of bookshelves, is a small room labeled “Writing Center”. The room was designed in 2012 when the library was built as a small classroom where the English Department’s writing center would be located, Library Director Ms. Alisa Brandt explained. Because it was too far from most teachers’ classrooms, the writing center has since moved its activities to Upper Cummins Hall. The room now serves as a treasure trove for memorabilia from Bishop’s yearbooks to historical objects. Although the placard still reads “Writing Center,” the room is now called “113” by librarians, or the “special collections room”. Here’s a glimpse of what the room has to offer:
Most of the right bookshelf is filled with Bishop’s yearbooks, dating back to 1969. A big difference from old yearbooks is the unique clubs that are no longer active today. For example, the “Jim Morrison is Not Dead Club” stopped appearing in yearbooks after many members in 1988. It Is also yet to resurface on campus. In addition, the yearbooks remember the faces of generations of students, as well as many teachers who have become integral members of the community from their time at Bishop’s.
Bishops’ current literary magazine, Faultlines, was created in 2013. Faultlines features works like poetry, prose, and art. The magazine often receives submissions from students for its annual Editor’s Prize and Spring Issue. Before Faultlines, the school’s official literary magazine was called Reflections. English teacher Mr. Mark Radley, who was the sponsor of Reflections when it changed to Faultlines, explained that the students felt the name “Reflections” was too corny, so they coordinated a change.
Around the back wall hang multiple autographs of historical figures. Three different frames bear Frederick Douglas’s signature, and one includes a note about his time as an enslaved person. Ms. Brandt explained that the historical memorabilia were all donated by the Douglass family at some point before she arrived at Bishop’s in 2007. “ They came randomly,” she said, “a director of the advancement department had a good connection to this family, and I think that's how we wound up with those items.”
Whether you’re looking for past Bishop’s publications, curious about Bishop’s past, or wanting to witness firsthand relics of American history, the library’s Writing Center has something for you. The items featured here only scratch the surface of what the room has in store, waiting for you to explore.
