The Otterbein Theater and Dance Department have partnered with the Friends of the Courtright Memorial Library once again in their annual “Otterbein Singers Benefit” production!

Enjoy the musical talents of your fellow Cards as they perform, From Page to Stage! The musical numbers featured in this show were inspired by all things literary, from the great novels to comics, even the Bible! Some titles include Les Miserables, The Outsiders, Little Women, Man of La Mancha, Annie, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Children of Eden, and more!

Join us on March 22nd from 7-9pm in the Riley Auditorium of Batelle Hall for a night of song, refreshments, and charitable donations towards the Otterbein FOL.

This year’s FOL Fundraising Initiative: The Otterbein Archives

The Friends are an association of persons interested in: promoting the interests of the library; encouraging an understanding of the part the library plays in educating Otterbein students and supporting faculty and staff; and cooperating with other libraries to share resources. They encourage gifts and bequests to benefit the library, and assist the library and its staff with exhibits, programs, publications, and other appropriate means.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Friends of the Library announced their intent to fundraise for the Archives that may include such things as renovating its spaces. The Archive is home to all of the historical documents, photographs, recordings, and artifacts that tell the history of this school, from its founding in 1847 to the present day. The Archive was opened in 1954, and since then has grown to hold approximately 2,000 linear feet of materials, including over 5,000 catalogued items. Since 2008 it has been located in the lower level of the Courtright Memorial Library, but since 2015 it has been running out of space to house all of these treasures.

It was recommended that compact shelving, a new HVAC system and a fire suppression system be installed in the main stacks area of the Archive to properly accommodate the current holdings, allow for continued growth of the collection, and to provide a safe and stable environment for the preservation of these historical treasures. The total cost for this project is estimated to be just shy of $1,000,000. Thanks to the Office of Sponsored Grants and Programs, the Archive has submitted for many grants, including a NEH Implementation Grant, and will continue to do so for the remaining funding support that is necessary. In addition, the library has committed endowment funds to go towards this work.

Over the years the Friends of the Courtright Memorial Library has been incredibly generous to the University Archive. We hope you will contribute to the continued improvement of this very worthwhile cause tonight!

How to Donate

Can’t make it to the show but would still like to donate? No problem! We accept donations at any time throughout the year. Consider donating to the Archives by…

1. Sending checks to:   

    Otterbein University

    Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement

    1 S Grove St

    Westerville OH 43081

In the memo line of the check, indicate that the donation is for the Otterbein University Archives.

2. If you would prefer to make a donation online, visit Otterbein’s Give Campus page. Under “Designation” select “Other” and type in “Otterbein University Archives”.

Your donation to the Archives will truly make a difference in helping to preserve Otterbein’s history and making that history accessible to our students and community members for years to come.