Although we didn’t have a fancy car or float, over 20 staff, family, and friends from the University Libraries had a great time being part of the University of Minnesota 2018 Homecoming Parade on October 5.

And neither the temperature — 40 degrees at the beginning of the parade — nor the drizzle dampened anyone’s enthusiasm.

Students, alumni, and families yelled and cheered as we walked by. We were one of the last groups in the parade, right before the fabulous UMN Marching band. We heard many shouts of, “I love the Libraries,” as well as possibly some chuckles about the idea of a library in a parade.

This year’s Homecoming theme, “Tradition Never Graduates” was amplified by our Parade theme of “Powered by Nerds.” We donned “nerd” glasses, wore University Libraries T-shirts and handed out Nerds candy.

Parade participants also handed out bookmarks promoting the growing eBooks Minnesota, an online collection of e-books for all Minnesotans that covers a wide variety of subjects for readers of all ages. Staff also carried signs showcasing the Libraries’ collection of historic Goldys — courtesy of University Archives.

“Lots of people gave out candy but we are pretty confident we were the only people in the Parade to hand out bookmarks!” said Kate Peterson, Undergraduate Services Librarian.

This was the third year the Libraries has participated in the Homecoming Parade.

“For me, marching in the Homecoming Parade was a night to remember,” said Sunshine Carter, Electronic Resources Librarian.. “I admit it: Hearing parade attendees scream ‘Libraries’ at the top of their lungs was one of the highlights of my career as a librarian. I *almost* felt like a celebrity.”

“I had a blast marching in the parade last year! There was such a good vibe from the crowd,” said Shane Nackerud, Technology Lead for Libraries Initiatives. “People were just excited, for everything — including the Libraries — and were just having a good time and voicing their pride for the U of M.”