Stephen F. Austin State University

The Ralph W. Steen Library at Stephen F. Austin State University recently received a donation of 10 books from the SFA Faculty Senate.

The gift of major books printed by SFA's LaNana Creek Press within the past 10 years was made in appreciation for the work completed by the current Board of Regents, President Baker Pattillo and Provost Richard Berry, explained Regents Professor of Art Charles Jones, who is also the director of LaNana Creek Press.

Each year, the LaNana Creek Press publishes numbered and signed limited editions of one or two major books in the fine press tradition. Each is designed, printed from hand set type and bound by hand at the press, which is housed in the SFA School of Art. Copies of the books are in the Bodleian Library of Oxford University and special collections of major libraries throughout the United States.

Dr. Marc Guidry, chair of the Faculty Senate, said the group chose LaNana Creek Press books because they are collaborative creations of SFA faculty from art, music, English and modern languages as well as SFA art students, who worked with Jones on the production.

"Just as important, each LaNana Creek book is a unique work of art," Guidry continued. We could think of no better gift to represent the work of the faculty and to express our appreciation. And preserving the books in Steen Library's Special Collections will afford future generations continual access to them."

Dr. Richard Berry, SFA provost and vice president for academic affairs, said he was "overwhelmed" by the senate's action. "I can think of no more meaningful honor than to have books donated to Steen Library in my name. As a former chair of the Faculty Senate, I considered this a particularly meaningful gesture."

Included in the donation are the following titles: "Timon of Athens," "Candide: The Portfolio," "Alphabet Book," "Xochicuicayotl" and "The Bear Went Over the Mountain." Also, "On the Perimeter: Select Poems by Cyd Adams," "The Work of the Painter: Le Travail de Pintre," "When It Rains: The Short Life in Art of Elmira Shevchuk,' "Poems Inside & Out" and "dead bees buzzing."

The public may view the books by visiting the East Texas Research Center, located on the second floor of the Ralph W. Steen Library.