Friends of the Libraries’ Annual Luncheon

Photo of Vick Mickunas
Vick Mickunas

The Friends of the Wright State University Libraries proudly present:

Author Interviewer and WYSO “The Book Nook” Creator

Vick Mickunas

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Wright State Nutter Center

Berry Room

Register Now!

You’re invited to join us at the annual Friends of the Libraries luncheon as Vick Mickunas shares his literary adventure and interactions with writers, books, and one inspirational librarian. Vick has been interviewing authors for 30 years.

Vick created “The Book Nook” author interview program for WYSO Public Radio in 1994. His conversations with a vast range of writers, from the famous to the obscure, has been a staple on the radio dial for decades. It is currently one of the longest running radio shows about books.

In 2004 he began writing a column about books for the Dayton Daily News. His book reviews, author interviews, and musings about the book publishing industry have appeared in print ever since.

Last year he filed his 1000th weekly Book Nook column for the Cox Ohio newspapers.

Mickunas and his partner, Amy Achor, live just outside Yellow Springs with their eight cats.

A lunch buffet will be provided, which includes Italian garden salad with Italian Vinaigrette and Ranch dressings, blackened chicken, vegetarian stuffed peppers, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetable blend, assorted breads, variety of desserts, and iced tea, regular and decaf coffee.

Registration is required for this event and must be completed by April 17, 2024. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Libraries. If you need accommodations for this event, please call (937) 775-2380 five business days in advance.

Karen Wilhoit, University Librarian is Retiring After 32 Years of Service to Wright State University

Image of Karen Wilhoit
Karen Wilhoit, University Librarian

Karen Wilhoit, University Librarian will retire from Wright State University Libraries effective February 29, 2024. Karen has served the libraries in many capacities since March 1992 when she joined our staff as the Head of Cataloging. Prior to her appointment as University Librarian in 2021, she served as Associate University Librarian for Collection Services since 2004. In her various roles in the Libraries, Karen managed the streamlining and automation of technical services operations, guided the merger of the Fordham Health Sciences Library and Dunbar Library collections, and the merger of two units in the Libraries as cost savings measure for the University, helped with the formation of Digital Services which managed the University institutional repository and oversaw the transition of the Libraries’ collections from primarily print to primarily online.

As University Librarian she worked closely with Libraries’ staff to focus on how the various departments within the Libraries can continue to work together to support initiatives focusing on student success and outreach to faculty. She worked with the Division of Inclusive Excellence to prioritize the Libraries’ commitment to being a welcoming and supportive unit for all members of the campus community. Most importantly, she has been committed to ensuring that the Libraries continue to provide outstanding service to Wright State students, faculty and staff.

During her tenure at Wright State, Karen has been active in representing the Libraries in state and national committees and consortia, serving on and chairing the OhioLINK Database Management and Standards Committee and the OhioLINK Cooperative Information Resources Management Committee. She has also been active in the Academic Library Association of Ohio, serving at various times as Chair of the Technical Services interest group, Treasurer, and Vice President/President/Past President. Karen has also served on several technical services committees of the American Library Association.

We thank Karen for her 32 years of dedicated service to Wright State University and wish her all the best in retirement.

Library Staff Book Recommendations

Need to relax on winter break? Enjoy reading or listening to a good book? Library staff have some great recommendations for you! 


Book cover for The Artificial Silk Girl b Irmgard Keun
The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun
From Joanna Anderson, Medical Librarian:

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
This is a **really** slow burner, but TOTALLY worth the read/time it takes to read.
(Available through SearchOhio)

The Artificial Silk Girl by Irmgard Keun
This book is set in Weimar Germany and was banned by the Nazis in 1933. I love the book because Doris writes about surviving obstacles still experienced by women today, but also trying to navigate pre-war Berlin. She does what she needs to do to survive, pushing the envelope of what is morally correct.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book cover for Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
From Lisa Bleeke, Fiscal Services Manager 3:

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Very good insight to ancient medicine and other practices in China.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A fun book!
(Available through OhioLINK)

Someone Else’s Shoes by JoJo Moyes
If you like JoJo Moyes you’ll like this one, too!
(Available through OhioLINK)
Triptych by Karin Slaughter
From Leigh Duncan, Head of Library Technology Services:

Triptych by Karin Slaughter
The first book in her Will Trent series features Trent, from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, trying to solve a series of murders and determine which of many players could be the killer. A riveting story!
(Available through OhioLINK)

Susan, Linda, Nina, and Cokie by Lisa Napoli
A biography of four women who defined NPR and served as the voice of American news for decades. A fascinating history of the origin of National Public Radio in the 1970s.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book cover of Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
From Phil Flynn, Head of Instruction and Research Services:

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
In a world where magic is dismissed, but real, only a contest can decide which of two teaching methods produces the better more stylish result. The venue is a Circus filled with imaginative tents, each contestant trying to out-awe the other. The contest has consequences for those who design the venue, work in the circus, and, unexpectedly, for those who visit. Morgenstern builds a sumptuous environment and multi-dimensional characters with her descriptive text.
(Dunbar 3rd Floor PS3613.O74875 N54 2010)

Earth Abides by George Stewart
A young hiker rebuilds society following a plague in the ’70s. The arc of the novel follows problems of immediate survival through successful and unsuccessfully rebuilt social groups. Stewart’s narrative is part journey quest, part social commentary, and an always intriguing post-apocalyptic what-if.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book Cover for Astoria by Peter Stark
Astoria by Peter Stark
From Marty Jenkins, Head of Content Acquisition and Management:

Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson’s Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival by Peter Stark
A fascinating account of a corner of American history I knew little about, the establishment of a colony at the mouth of the Columbia River.
(Available through OhioLINK)
Book cover for Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
From Adam Randolph, Library Operation Specialist 2:

Notes of a Native Son by James Baldwin
(Dunbar 3rd Floor E185.61 .V744 2001)
Book Cover for Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
From Adrienne Savage, Library Associate:

Beastie Boys Book by Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz
It’s especially great as an audiobook, as it has a collage sort of feel with both of them taking turns narrating. I recommend frequently pausing it to stop and listen to the bands they mention, as it paints a vivid picture of the musical and cultural landscape of the ’80s & ’90s.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman
This is one of those books that I’d heard of and always meant to get around to, but then didn’t for a few decades. When I finally did, I expected that it’d feel outdated due to the changes in technology/media, but instead it was shockingly relevant.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
It’s rare to have two of your favorite authors write a book together and have it retain exactly what you love about each of them, and also to have a tv adaptation that manages to get everything exactly right. It’s a great excuse to read it for the first time, or to revisit it.
(Available through OhioLINK)


Book Cover for Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson and Hachette Go
Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson and Hachette Go
From Matt Shreffler, Head of Resource Delivery Services:

Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution by Rainn Wilson and Hachette Go
I am a fan of The Office TV show, and I enjoy discussions on faith. This seemed like a good fit, and the tone makes this a fun read!
(Available through SearchOhio)
Book cover for The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
From Jane Wildermuth, Head of Special Collections and Archives:

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
A suspenseful historical fiction novel about an Ohio woman who uses historical materials to unravel the story of an 18th-century murderous apothecary.
(Available through OhioLINK)

Extended Library Hours for Finals Week

Dunbar Library Finals Week extended study hours begin on Wednesday, December 6th and run through Thursday, December 14th. We have a number of Destress for Success activities scheduled during finals week as well.

Extended finals week study hours are:

  • Monday through Thursday – 7:30 am to 2:00 am
  • Friday – 7:30 am to 8:00 pm
  • Saturday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Sunday – 10:00 am to 2:00 am

These extended hours are part of our mission to facilitate student success. Please refer to our website for detailed building hours.

Clock surrounded by books

Break Hours

Following finals week, the library will transition to break hours:

  • December 17th to 21st – open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, closed weekends
  • December 22nd to January 1st – Closed
  • January 2nd – 6th – open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, closed weekends
  • January 7th – regular hours resume