A Lending Legacy

Oakland University’s Kresge Library has always been a bustling hub where students could find a variety of resources to support their studies. And now, thanks to a generous gift from alumni and retired educators Elizabeth A. Smith, SEHS ’88, and Susan J. Ritchey, SEHS ’89, the university is home to the Library of Things — a thoughtfully curated collection of practical, non-traditional items now available for loan to students, faculty and staff.

From projectors and clothing steamers to bakeware, hand tools and lawn games, the Library of Things supports student life both inside and outside the classroom. Items were selected with student needs in mind and fall into four categories: technology, home goods, tools and games. A light therapy lamp offers comfort during Michigan’s long winters. A sewing machine or steamer can help students prepare for job interviews. Cornhole boards and ladder ball sets add a recreational element to campus life.

For Smith and Ritchey of Clarkston, the inspiration for their gift came from personal experience. They each earned a Master of Arts from OU and spent their careers teaching in the Waterford school district. They also became familiar with the Library of Things concept through their local public library.

“When we saw what our little library in Clarkston could offer, it was just incredible,” Smith says. “The idea that students at Oakland University could benefit from something like that made perfect sense.”

Smith and Ritchey’s connection to OU deepened in retirement, when they began attending alumni gatherings in Florida. These opportunities to connect gave them a renewed sense of the university’s impact and, consequently, a desire to give back. A tour of Kresge Library in the summer of 2024 sparked their engagement. During Smith and Ritchey’s visit, Beth Wallis, associate dean of University Libraries, introduced the Library of Things concept and walked them through the vision.

“This gift reflects the best of what alumni giving can do: identify a unique need and answer it with vision and heart,” says Michael Westfall, vice president for University Advancement. “Liz and Sue’s generosity creates a meaningful and practical solution to student needs.”

The $25,000 endowment, pledged over two years, covers not only the purchase of items but also the ongoing maintenance, promotion, and student outreach that keeps the collection relevant and visible. One example: a set of cornhole boards featuring the Library of Things logo — complete with Smith and Ritchey’s names — is being used at campus events to help raise awareness and build community. The goal is for students to see the collection in action and discover how these resources can meet their everyday needs.

“Our goal is to reduce barriers for students,” Wallis says. “Providing access to items they may need once or twice, but can’t justify buying, can be the difference between getting something done or going without.”

Students, faculty and staff can check out items much like they would a book. The materials are searchable in the library catalog, available for one-week loans and can be reserved in advance. Modest overdue fees apply to ensure timely returns.

“The Library of Things is a fun and useful addition to our library collections,” notes Dean of University Libraries Polly Boruff-Jones. “I sincerely appreciate Ms. Smith and Ms. Ritchey’s commitment to OU students and to University Libraries.” To ensure the Library of Things continues to reflect student needs and support students in meaningful ways, the library staff plans to gather ongoing feedback through surveys in partnership with OU Student Congress and collaborate with campus resources like the Golden Grizzlies Pantry and Grizz Garments Closet.

For Smith and Ritchey, the joy of giving now, not later, was a key motivation.
“We were both very fortunate that our parents were able to pay for our education, and I like the idea of paying it back,” says Smith. “It’s rewarding to be able to do something for the students now.”

“By giving money while I’m still alive, I’ll get to see the students enjoy the Library of Things,” adds Ritchey.