The Sherrington Room—a long-loved space tucked inside UBC’s Woodward Library—is well on its way to a 21st-century renewal thanks to the generosity of the Harry Hawthorn Foundation.
This group, which formed during a fishing holiday in 1953, supports the purchase of books on angling and fishing for UBC Library. Its members have also raised more than $24,000 for the upgrading of the Sherrington Room which will result in a technologically sophisticated room for multi-purpose use.
Perhaps it’s not too surprising to see such an outpouring of support—after all, the Sherrington Room is home to the unique Harry Hawthorn Collection, which features 1,900 books on angling, fly fishing, ecology and fish habitats. In addition, the special space hosts the Foundation’s annual luncheon and lectures; over the years, it has also hosted board meetings, presentations and events for the UBC community.
“Members of the Harry Hawthorn Foundation have always enjoyed relaxing in the Sherrington Room, which displays some of the better books from the angling collection,” says Bruce Dancik, the Foundation’s Secretary. “The upgrades to the room will allow us and others to better host events, lectures and special guests.”
The Woodward Library which holds the largest science collection in Western Canada, and serves more than 25,000 students and faculty members across seven UBC faculties will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall. Plans are also underway to transform the library into a scientific hub featuring state-of-the-art technology and innovative spaces. The Sherrington room upgrade coincides with these exciting upcoming milestones.
Big plans, then, are afoot, for Woodward Library thanks in part to members of the Harry Hawthorn Foundation. With further support, we’re confident that we can meet our goals to better serve students, researchers, lifelong learners and, yes, anglers for generations to come.
For more information on the Harry Hawthorn Foundation, please contact Bruce Dancik, Secretary, at bluedun@telus.net. For more information on donating to the Sherrington Room and Woodward Library, please contact Leslie Fields, at 604-822-8926 or leslie.fields@ubc.ca
This story originally appeared in the 2014 summer issue of the Friends newsletter.