Contemporary-writing library is unveiled

The Hyam Plutzik Library for Contemporary Writing will serve as a center for the teaching of creative writing as well as for scholarly research related to modern American poetry. Named in memory of the late poet and Professor of English Hyam Plutzik, the new library is designed to complement many of the writing programs offered by the College and its Department of English. In addition, the interior portion of the new facility is named for Jarold Ramsey, noted poet and professor emeritus of English, who was a longtime director of the Plutzik poetry series.

Thomas LeBlanc, vice provost and Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the College Faculty, called the dedication of the Plutzik Library a "truly emergent occasion for the literary arts on campus."

"The University has developed a long and rich literary tradition through the readings offered by visiting poets in the Plutzik series," said LeBlanc. "Acquisition by the University Libraries of the William and Hannelore Heyen Collection with the works of major contemporary writers led to discussions with members of the Plutzik family and resulted in a new home for the Heyen collection, linking the library and the series."

Bette London, associate professor and chair of the English department, added that the completion of a new resource for students, faculty, and visiting scholars "signals what we trust will be the development of a broader range of new offerings by both the department and the series."

Beginning this semester, the Plutzik Library and Ramsey Study are being used by English department faculty for creative writing classes. Joanna Scott, novelist and Roswell Smith Burrows Professor of English, described the new library as "a spectacular addition to what we have to offer writing students at the University. Those of us involved with the Plutzik series are also excited about using the new center to host master classes with visiting writers and for smaller readings that are open to the public."

Bookcases line the walls and hold many of the 10,000 items in the Heyen collection, which is considered among the finest assemblages of inscribed first editions, manuscripts, and correspondence from major American writers in the past 30 years. Selected works are on display in the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections through Friday, June 30.

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