KU Libraries celebrates Hawk Week with events across campus locations

As students settle back into campus life, KU Libraries is rolling out a full week of Hawk Week programming, August 24-28, designed to introduce Jayhawks to library spaces and services while tying into the university's broader welcome-back festivities. 

Hawk Week features required orientation programming for incoming students, including Traditions Night, Jayhawks Give a Flock, and Academic Welcomes, alongside a slate of activities open to the whole Jayhawk community. Through its own events, KU Libraries gives students a chance to meet staff, explore campus spaces, and tap into resources that support both academic success and personal exploration. 

"These events give students a low-pressure way to discover what the libraries have to offer and to meet other Jayhawks along the way," said Amber Ovsak, Undergraduate Engagement Librarian. "It sets the tone for the rest of the year." 

KU Libraries Hawk Week Events 

Library on the Lawn  
Watson Library | Monday, August 24 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Come celebrate your first day of school with KU Libraries! Stop by for some iced coffee, snacks, and first day of school photos. Sign up for a public library card with Lawrence Public Library's Dottie, play some yard games, win prizes, and learn more about what we have to offer at Watson Library. Tours will be available every half hour. 

Coffee with Carol 
Anschutz Library | Tuesday, August 25 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Enjoy donuts and iced coffee with the Dean of KU Libraries, Carol Smith. Tours of Anschutz will additionally be offered every half hour. 

KU Libraries Loop Challenge 
Wescoe Beach | Tuesday, August 25 | Noon – 5 p.m. 

Did you know that there are six libraries on campus? We want to challenge you to visit five of them during Hawk Week and learn more about what each space has to offer. Visit our table on Tuesday, from Noon-2 p.m. on Wescoe Beach to get your passport and start the challenge, or pick one up from a library front desk. Return your passport to The Kettle in Watson Library on Tuesday by 5 p.m. to celebrate and receive a limited edition, student-designed T-shirt.

Kettle Open House 
The Kettle, Watson Library, 325 | Wednesday, August 26 | Noon – 2 p.m. 

Come celebrate The Kettle, our newest programming space in Watson Library! Enjoy snacks, beverages and crafts, while learning about ways to get involved with KU Libraries such as book clubs, movie nights, ambassador opportunities, and more. Chat with library staff and mark your calendar for future events.

Fore! Mini Golf at Kenneth Spencer Research Library  
Spencer Research Library | Thursday, August 27 | 1 – 4 p.m. 

Get to know your fellow Jayhawks and Spencer's remarkable collections of rare and unique materials through a game of mini golf! We'll help you find a team when you arrive. Refreshments, coloring pages, and button-making will also be available. Find us behind Strong Hall. 

Watch it in Watson: "Project Hail Mary"  
Watson Library, 3 West | Thursday, August 27 | 7:30 – 10 p.m. (crafting starts at 6:30 p.m.) 

Swap your usual study spot for a cosmic movie night in Watson Library! Join us for snacks, crafts, and a screening of "Project Hail Mary," a deep-space adventure presented in connection with the newest KU Common Book, "Orbital." Crafting starts at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Come for the space adventure, stay for the community! All KU students, staff, and faculty are welcome. 

Fridays on Fourth Kickoff  
Graduate Student Study Lounge, Watson Library, 410 | Friday, August 28 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Join colleagues for light snacks and learn about events and services planned for the coming semester. Fridays on Fourth feature research support, write-ins, and workshops every Friday in Watson Library’s Graduate Student Study Lounge (410) and throughout the fourth floor as part of a collaborative project between KU's Libraries, Wingspan Center for Learning and Writing Support, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, and Center for Teaching Excellence. 

Makerspace Open House  
Makerspace, Anschutz Library, 203A | Friday, August 28 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

The KU Libraries Makerspace provides a venue for KU students to tinker, create, and collaborate with others. Stop by the Makerspace on the second floor of Anschutz Library to find out more about the tools available, including 3D printing, podcasting equipment, and hands-on activities to facilitate creative discovery. There will be refreshments and swag available. 

All KU Libraries-hosted events can be found, alongside many others that take place in library spaces, on the university’s events calendar or by visiting lib.ku.edu/events. For news and other updates on KU Libraries, follow @KULibraries on a wide variety of popular social media platforms.