Booth Library is building a database of school memories.

As part of a larger exhibit, the library is building an exhibit on the memories citizens have had at school.

The exhibit looks at school life from K-12 and will include displays on education, along with a searchable database of community-submitted school memories.

Small displays of specific aspects of the school will be displayed, such as schoolhouse architecture or school lunches.

Because of Eastern’s history as a teaching college and its ongoing training of teachers, the alumni of Eastern are teaching all over the state.

“One out of three students get trained to become teachers,” said Allen Lanham, dean of library services.

Lanham also said the library has put a lot of effort into the exhibit and programs that go with it.

The exhibit will start in September with programs running through October, with the exhibit continuing into November to allow the visiting accreditation team to see how education has impacted the community.

“None of us would be where we are without public education,” Lanham said.

The exhibit is open to the public and has two sections spanning 20 feet on two sides.

“Everyone has school in their background,” Lanham said. “School is a big thing for everyone in this country.”

The exhibit seeks to gain a narrative of how students think of school, Lanham said.

Everyone is encouraged to add stories.

An 83-year-old woman who graduated high school in the 1940s has contacted Lanham’s office about the exhibit.

There will be computers on site, allowing visitors to view memories or add their own.

If someone does not have a computer they can call the library, send a letter containing the memory or write the story down and drop it off at the desk.

Carrie Thoennes, a junior elementary education major, thinks the exhibit is a good idea and wants to know how it works out

and how much feedback the library will get.

Thoennes said she is an education major because she loves kids and the positive memories of teachers who had a lasting impression on her.

“I think it’s good feedback, and a different way to hear what’s on a students mind,” Thoennes said.

As a teacher in training, Thoennes said she will probably go to see the exhibit, and believes the changes in teaching techniques that have happened over time are needed.

James Roedl can be reached at 581-7942 or at jmroedl@eiu.edu

Joey Veronico, a junior marketing major from Hoffman Estates. walks past the Greenwood School Museum Wednesday afternoon. (Danny Damiani / The Daily Eastern News)

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