On Sept. 16, everyone’s favorite kiwi bird Roger celebrated his fifth birthday with a week full of fun activities at the Blough-Weis Library. From coloring contests to word scrambles to movie nights, it was all about Roger all week long.
When asked what the best part of his birthday was, Roger didn’t hold back.
“That it existed! I didn’t even know I had a birthday until last year, when my secretary finally looked up the date. So going from nothing to a week-long celebration in the space of a year – well, what’s not to like?”
For those who don’t know, Roger is the library’s mascot who is six inches of pure attitude. He resides at the circulation desk with his very own desk, computer, name tag and even a collection of kiwi-sized books! However, the campus celebrity always thought of himself as just another library worker, but the students insisted on him being their mascot.
“All I did was show up one day, with nothing but a little sign that said ‘Hi! I’m Roger, the Library Kiwi!” He said.
Now, there have been a total of 61 kiwis to pass through the doors of the Blough-Weis Library, all courtesy of Meg Garnett, the special collections librarian, or as Roger refers to her, his secretary. For each graduating class of student library workers, Meg makes them their very own kiwi as a thanks for their hard work and dedication.
However, some kiwis stay in the library to keep Roger company. For instance, Harry W. Kiwi, Roger’s older brother, is a shy fellow who lives on Meg’s desk. Oddly enough, the “W” stands for “Weis,” one of the library’s namesakes. Roger is also named after a portion of the library.
“Have you noticed that my name is Roger B. Kiwi? The ‘B’ stands for ‘Blough,” he explained.
Aside from Roger and Harry, there is also Blueberry Muffin, who came back to live at the library last winter when alumni Morgan MacVaugh ’19 began working as the library admin assistant and public-services coordinator. Last, but certainly not least, is Roger’s son Pip the chick.
All in all, Roger is extremely grateful to have such a wonderful place to call home. He’s especially thankful for the support of all the student workers.
“It’s [his workspace] been entirely constructed, furnished and decorated by the students who work here. How many other library workers can say that their coworkers voluntarily made them everything they need?”
However, this wouldn’t be a Roger interview without a shameless shoutout to the special collections and archives section of the library, which holds all the university’s old books and records. Roger’s secretary, Meg says it’s by far the most interesting section of the library.
“Whenever someone shows up at the front desk with something old or odd or confusing, we just assume it’s for her [Meg],” said Roger.
Make sure to stop by the circulation desk to wish Roger a happy belated birthday or just to say hello!
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