The Golden Student Success Center (GSSC) is a good place to study, to hang out with your friends or simply grab a quick bite to eat. Yet hidden in plain sight within its halls are several special collections; the easiest of these to find is the Jack Williamson Science Fiction Library on the second floor.
Jack Williamson was a science fiction writer born in April 1908. He passed away in November 2006. A storyteller since childhood, he wrote over 55 novels, 11 novellas, 38 novelettes, more than 100 short stories, and two years' worth of comic strips.
Williamson joined the faculty of Eastern New Mexico University in 1960 and taught for 17 years. Not only is the collection of science fiction and fantasy books named after him, but the Jack Williamson Liberal Arts building also bears his legacy.
His collection in the GSSC contains science fiction books, fantasy books and the New Mexico Collection—an assortment of books by New Mexican authors, including the likes of Rudolfo Anaya, Tony Hillerman and more.
If you walk in during its operating hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), all you need to do is talk to librarian Gene Bundy or any of the other workers there to be taken on a short tour of the most unique and interesting books held within. "We've got cool stuff," Gene says.
Some of that cool stuff include that of a book with a cover made of jean fabric, or a book whose cover was made with real flowers in it. Also included is a copy of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible), with a cover made of silver and written in three different languages.
If asked to see it, the librarians who work there will also show you the smallest book they own in comparison to the largest. The largest ones weigh around 25 pounds and the smallest used to belong in a dollhouse.
Kyle Garcia, a digital filmmaking major and worker in the Jack Williamson Collection, loves his job making book covers and checking books out to students. "I enjoy being a librarian in special collections because I get to help out students here at ENMU," Kyle explains.
"My favorite book is this one," Kyle says, holding up a copy of "Magic the Gathering: The Brothers' War," written by Jeff Grubb. "I love Magic the Gathering," he adds with a laugh.
When asked of some of the oldest texts they own, you might be shown an old leather-bound book with yellowed pages and pristine font. It is a novel nearly 400 years old, written in 1638.
"A distinguished face, gentle reader, where with this works, not long fince appear to come to you, move appear that noble lady," Kyle laughs as he reads the 17th-century work aloud.
As for borrowing the books, only half of their collection can be checked out, the other half being too precious or irreplaceable if destroyed or lost.
If you're interested in inquiring about old books, looking for a fresh read or just want to hear a story or two from Gene Bundy, the Jack Williamson Special Collection is a place you should visit.
