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Leland Speed Library Houses China Exhibit


Ran An, program developer at the MC International Center and Chinese instructor and Jeff Sootheran, periodicals assistant
Books on Chinese New Year's paintings, volumes on Chinese tea and plus examples of the nation's ancient craft of embroidery are part of a new display at the Leland Speed Library.

The display is located in the lobby of the Mississippi College library. The exhibit opened this week - just in time to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Monday January 26.

The new exhibit celebrates the culture of China and is fitting for MC that's home to 250 students from China. They represent the largest contingent among the Christian university's 320 international students from 26 nations.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to host this interesting exhibit," said Kathleen Hutchison, director at the Leland Speed Library on College Street. "We hope it encourages other exhibits like it."

The collection of books, DVDs, and cultural artifacts is part of a collection given to the MC Department of Modern Languages following a grant proposal written by Ran An, program developer at the MC International Center and a Chinese instructor.

A native of Tianjiu, China, he said MC's successful international program led by director Jim Brackenridge was a big reason why the college was able to secure the collection and grant from the Office of the Chinese Language Council International. Eventually, a number of the books will remain on a permanent basis at the library.

Jeff Sootheran, a periodicals assistant, said the MC library hopes to acquire more international books in the future. "This is the first success we've had."

There are more than 80 items in the Chinese collection, including books, brushes, paintings and embroidery. The exhibit is open to the public and continue for several weeks on the Clinton campus.

For more details, contact Jeff Sootheran at soothera@mc.edu or An at An@mc.edu