Recap of the Little Free Thoughts Cloud Nine event
The Little Free Thoughts Library (LFT) hosted an event called Cloud Nine: A Night with the Little Free Thoughts Library this Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. in the MacVittie Union Ballroom.
According to the Geneseo Website, “LFT Library is a bookshelf housing student creation, words, thoughts and more in a wonderful collection of shared books. One could say a collective brain of SUNY Geneseo.”
During the event, students were able to paint and eat sweets which allowed them to get out their words, thoughts, and overall creativity even after the fourth week of classes.
Ashlee Kuzemchak, a GOLD Leader Mentor, noted that, “It's kind of like a nonverbal anonymous communication between students I’m aiming for, and it’s also about creativity to [write in] notebooks that we provide (blank notebooks, so people can sketch and write poetry).”
Kuzemchak explained the process to be inviting and something that folks can approach whenever they really are available to enter the office. “Just come fill up a tote bag like a notebook, some pencils, crayons, anything we got on the bookshelf, and spend some time with their thoughts like in their dorm or the house or whatever. Write about their day. Anything is important, I think, anything you want to write about.”
When questioned about the five-year plan, Kuzemchak explained, “My vision is like, in five years or so…we have this collection of student thoughts and wisdom that Geneseo students can continue to read…to learn about each other in a different way, because we’re really part of everyday conversation and [we can] really discuss things.”
The GOLD room is open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m.-4 p.m., and anyone can come in during those times. Kuzemchak explained, “We have mentors in the room and you go to the bookshelf for LFT [to] take out when they want, so it’s not monitored in a way [where you have] to check things out…it’s just kind of literally freedom, complete freedom.”
As a final word of inspiration Kuzemchak explained, “I would say anything that you're thinking, the wisdom that you hold, everything matters. And if you think someone does not want to hear it, I at least want to hear it. And there are billions of people in the world, and I bet that they would want to hear it too. So don't feel scared to write what you’re feeling—share your emotions.”
Another member, Jocelyn Haines, stated that, “If it’s something you’re passionate about, carve out the time [and] find the people on campus to help you because I guarantee you there are people that are willing to help you; they’re interested in it. There are faculty members that have the resources you need to get started and just devote some time to it. I promise you’ll feel very fulfilled from it. And I’m sure a lot of other students…will benefit.”
Genna Burke, a senior childhood and special education major, attended the event and explained, “’Be yourself’ are words that I tell people. Enjoy it. Be creative.”