Booth Library will honor the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing of 1969 during its free exhibit, On the Shoulders of Giants, opening Jan. 14.

The exhibit, which will be available during the entirety of spring semester, will celebrate other monumental space moments that have happened in the past, and refreshments and snacks will also be available.

Reference librarian Andy Cougill said informational activities will be held during the spring semester to highlight the Apollo missions, including educational display cases throughout the library.

Beth Heldebrandt, the Booth Library public relations director, said all cases are in the front of the library and that each display case will contain popular and vital information about NASA and different space knowledge.

She also said an official reception will take place on Jan. 24 and be held in the west reading room of the library.

There will be a showing of a documentary, which was collaborated between WEIU and the Charleston Community, depicting community members’ thoughts on the moon landing, where they were when the mission occurred and if they celebrated the historical event as it took place, Cougill and Heldebrandt said.

“The documentary is a WEIU history and the library collaboration.

Local community members were interviewed about the moon landing. Each generation has its moment,” Cougill said.

Cougill and Heldebrandt said that aside from the exhibit, there are also other activities happening around campus that pertain to the moon landing anniversary as well as the potential visit from an astronaut sometime during the spring semester.

“We have been in contact with NASA. We are waiting for NASA to reply,” Heldebrandt said. “We are waiting on confirmation to see who (would visit) and when.”

The music department is also conducting a space themed concert featuring pieces that are inspired by space events, Cougill said.

In April, students will also have the opportunity to make their own toy rockets to “shoot off,” Cougill said.

Cougill and Heldebrandt said they encourage students, faculty and community members to view the displays and take part in the events during the exhibit because they relate to all generations and serve as learning experience for everyone.

Heldebrandt said she and Cougill tried to choose a topic that engaged the Charleston community and the EIU community while organizing the exhibit.

“I think students will connect to this event. All the things have been a part of our lives. For the people who remember it 50 years ago, it will be cool for them to remember their childhood,” Heldebrandt said.

Cougil said the timing of the exhibit is perfect because it is during a time when amazing things are happening at NASA.

“I encourage readers to explore what’s going on in NASA,” Cougill said. “(For example) in 1977, two voyager probes reached space, beyond our solar system in deep space (and) they are sending information back, and they are 40-years-old … it’s an exciting time to watch … and a stepping stone to learn more.”

For more information on the exhibit, contact Heldebrandt at emheldebrandt@eiu.edu.

Dee Luter can be reached at 581-2812 or dsluter@eiu.edu.