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Library dean seeks out exotic spiders
by Olivia Garrison
April 1, 2021
AMES, IOWA - After months of limited human presence, pests are taking over dark corners of the country. Recently it was revealed that the University of Michigan Library was closed due to the discovery of Mediterranean recluse spiders in the basement.
Not to be outdone by our Ann Arbor neighbors, Interim Dean Hilary Seo has been scouring corners of the Parks Library basement for unique arachnids. When asked about her efforts, Seo said, “Of course we're doing this in the interest of keeping students and staff safe. And, as a bonus, you know, there’s no such thing as bad publicity, right?”
She clarified that it would be great to find a spider that looks scary, but is not actually dangerous. “Like a huntsman spider from Australia. Those things can’t actually hurt you, but they certainly look terrifying. That would be great.”
While Seo came up short, she saw this is a great opportunity to attract more thrill-seeking students who might not normally visit the library. “Come for the spiders, stay for our study spaces.... now wouldn’t that look great on a poster?” she mused.
In an email, building manager Tom Finestead reported that he has not seen anything unusual in the library basement, or anywhere else in the library. Matt Schuler, stacks manager in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) reported seeing what was possibly the ghost of Adonijah Welch, but no arachnids.
Upon hearing this news Seo said, “Well, win some lose some. And by that I obviously mean it’s a win to not have frightening, New York Times cover story-worthy pests in the basement...”
At press time, Seo was seen approaching the staff entrance carrying a terrarium from Science Hall, home of the Entomology Department.
April 1, 2021
AMES, IOWA - After months of limited human presence, pests are taking over dark corners of the country. Recently it was revealed that the University of Michigan Library was closed due to the discovery of Mediterranean recluse spiders in the basement.
Not to be outdone by our Ann Arbor neighbors, Interim Dean Hilary Seo has been scouring corners of the Parks Library basement for unique arachnids. When asked about her efforts, Seo said, “Of course we're doing this in the interest of keeping students and staff safe. And, as a bonus, you know, there’s no such thing as bad publicity, right?”
She clarified that it would be great to find a spider that looks scary, but is not actually dangerous. “Like a huntsman spider from Australia. Those things can’t actually hurt you, but they certainly look terrifying. That would be great.”
While Seo came up short, she saw this is a great opportunity to attract more thrill-seeking students who might not normally visit the library. “Come for the spiders, stay for our study spaces.... now wouldn’t that look great on a poster?” she mused.
In an email, building manager Tom Finestead reported that he has not seen anything unusual in the library basement, or anywhere else in the library. Matt Schuler, stacks manager in Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) reported seeing what was possibly the ghost of Adonijah Welch, but no arachnids.
Upon hearing this news Seo said, “Well, win some lose some. And by that I obviously mean it’s a win to not have frightening, New York Times cover story-worthy pests in the basement...”
At press time, Seo was seen approaching the staff entrance carrying a terrarium from Science Hall, home of the Entomology Department.