The University of Wisconsin–Superior’s Jim Dan Hill Library has reimagined how students, staff, and faculty discover books through a series of “pop-up libraries” that bring curated collections directly to the places where campus life happens. Using a wagon stocked with books and a portable scanner that allows on-the-spot checkout, librarians set up temporary library stations in locations such as the Yellowjacket Union and Swenson Hall.

Each pop-up library centers on a timely theme and often coincides with another campus event, creating opportunities for collaboration across departments and programs. A recent partnership with the Red Cross refugee exhibit, for example, paired the display with books that deepened participants’ understanding of global displacement.

Front Desk Coordinator Jade Jensen leads the development of each themed collection, thoughtfully selecting titles that connect with current campus conversations. The project also serves as a hands-on learning experience for student workers, who help research themes, recommend titles, and contribute to building the traveling collection.

Recent pop-up themes have included Women’s History Month, in collaboration with the Gender Equity Resource Center, and Career and Civic Readiness Week, developed in partnership with the Link Center. Another pop-up, held in the Marcovich Wellness Center, focused on athletics as part of the library’s JDHL Loves Student Athletes event.

Each pop-up is designed to support academic exploration while meeting students where they are. The informal, approachable setting often sparks conversations about books, ideas and research topics – reinforcing the library’s role as an active and visible presence across campus.