Photo Essay: Libraries Staff Enjoy a Unique Look at West Philadelphia through the Lens of Public Murals During 2022 Staff Appreciation Day

On July 12, 2022, the Libraries staff gathered for the first in-person staff appreciation event since May 2019. During 2020 and 2021, staff participated in appreciation ceremonies remotely due to COVID-19.

In years past, the Libraries recognized selected staff and student employees who demonstrated exceptional service, collaborative teamwork, entrepreneurial spirit and dedicated professionalism.

This year, the Libraries recognized all Libraries staff and student workers for their hard work over the last year. To ensure all our staff had the opportunity to participate in the festivities, the Libraries offered limited service from 7:30am to 1pm. The Dragons’ Learning Den remained open for students looking for a place to study, and chat service reverted to the POWER Library chat. 

The day included a private Mural Arts bus tour around West Philadelphia, providing staff an opportunity to spend time together (in person!) while also strengthening connections to the diverse community in which they live and work.

Following the tour, staff enjoyed lunch and socializing in the W. W. Hagerty Library.

A Drexel shuttle bus parked on the side of the street
A Drexel shuttle bus parked on the side of the street

The photos below were taken by Libraries staff and depict a few highlights of the event.

Libraries staff rode on a Drexel shuttle for the Mural Arts tour around West Philadelphia.

 

The Alex's Lemondade Stand mural in West Philadelphia
The Alex's Lemondade Stand mural in West Philadelphia

The Mural Arts tour stopped at the mural "A Tribute to Alex Scott (Alex's Lemonade Stand)".

Drexel Libraries staff pose for a group photo in front of the Tuskegee Airmen: They Met the Challenge mural
Drexel Libraries staff pose for a group photo in front of the Tuskegee Airmen: They Met the Challenge mural

DUL Staff pose for a group photo in front of the mural "Tuskegee Airmen: They Met the Challenge."

The Silent Watcher mural in West Philadelphia
The Silent Watcher mural in West Philadelphia

"The Silent Watcher" was a staff favorite among the murals they visited.

 

Libraries staff stand around the railing on the 2nd floor of the library
Libraries staff stand around the railing on the 2nd floor of the library

Following the tour around West Philly, staff had a luncheon in the W. W. Hagerty Library.

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