7th Annual Helen C. House Party!
College Library will host the seventh annual Helen C. House Party from 8pm to 11pm on Thursday, Sept. 10. Stop by and see the first two floors of the library transformed with games and activities, fun and excitement.
Each year the house party features carnival games and prizes, balloon art, team trivia, face painting, video games, arts & crafts & hacks, a retro photo booth, and live entertainment – all this in addition to free food!
One of the more popular events, Human Foosball, converts the Ethnic Studies Reading Room into a netted court where a team of players, anchored to PVC pipe, can only move side-to-side in their effort to score a goal on the opposing team. Next door in Room 1191, staff will set out featured board games from the library’s circulating collection. Stop by with a group of friends for a quick round of Settlers of Catan, Wits and Wagers, Munchkin, Boss Monster, Pandemic, or Bananagrams.
The Arts & Crafts section of the House Party is updating an old favorite, “Design-Your-Own-Tote-Bag,” by adding tie-dye to the decorating options. And, in addition to creating personal buttons with the library’s button-maker, party goers will have the chance to finger-knit headbands, anklets and more. Sharing Room 1250, members of Sector 67 will be on hand to demonstrate soldering and their 3D printer, while staff from The Bubbler of Madison Public Library will showcase animation stations. New this year, attendees face the challenge of stacking life-size Jenga blocks.
While performers on the Main Stage entertain people waiting in the food line, Room 2191 is transformed into carnival-central with dozens of games and a chance to win prizes. In addition to Team Trivia, other options include Flickin’ Chicken’, Plinko, Hit the Hits, Pick-a-Duck, and Weenie Roast. (Thanks to It’s Your Party for the loan of several games.)
College Library is grateful for support for this event from both the campus and community. It would not be possible without subsidies from the Center for the First-Year Experience and the Gaus Fund. We appreciate food donations from Pizza Hut, Pepsi, Canteen Vending, Ian’s Pizza, Glass Nickel Pizza, Milio’s, Rocky Rococo’s and Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
As an official Welcome Week event, the Helen C. House Party encourages students to get acquainted with College Library and each other. Last year nearly 2,000 students attended and we hope even more stop by for all or part of the evening’s festivities. To receive all of the latest updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
