Always Be Curious: Getting to know Librarian Susan Cunningham

When entering the University Library, there’s a familiar face that greets you every time. Susan Cunningham has been FranU’s Cataloging Librarian since 2023, helping students and faculty find the information they need while making sure the library has resources worth exploring.

Cunningham’s work often happens behind the scenes. She catalogs the library’s physical and electronic resources, helps select materials based on the needs of the FranU community and works on projects that keep the library’s collections accessible and up to date.

She encourages students to explore and enjoys finding ways to make the library a place where students can stumble upon something unexpected. Whether they are looking for something to help prepare for an exam, researching a class assignment or simply looking for something to read, Cunningham wants students to spend time in the library and see what they can find. She also has plenty of recommendations for book lovers.

“We obtain materials according to the needs of students and faculty but also have fun materials, such as games and puzzles,” Cunningham said.

The spirit of discovery can also be seen in the displays in the library. Cunningham creates displays to inspire students and introduce them to something they may not have encountered before. Her most recent display featured St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati.

It’s a fitting reflection of Cunningham’s own approach to life.

Her personal motto is “Always be Curious.”

I share the ‘Always Be Curious’ motto because how else would we continue to learn new things and develop ourselves if not for being curious and finding the information,” she said.

This curiosity often takes her to the past. She enjoys visiting museums, looking at historic architecture, learning about art and archaeology and browsing estate sales for vintage items. She is fascinated by the way people lived throughout different periods of history and the questions that can come from learning about their everyday lives.

Outside of her work in the library, her life is deeply connected to service. She is a lector in the campus chapel and at her church parish, a committed adorer of the Blessed Sacrament and Candle Ministry Coordinator.

I encourage everyone in the FranU family to serve others in some capacity,” she said. “As noted in 1 Peter 4:10: ‘As generous distributors of God’s manifold grace, put your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure he had received.’”

Cunningham hopes students will not be afraid to ask for help but also hopes they will take the time to look around and discover something for themselves.

And while she may be the person students see when they need help finding a resource, there’s plenty they might learn about their librarian, too.

For starters, she doesn’t drink coffee. She does, however, have a serious appreciation for dark chocolate, particularly Chocolove’s Almonds & Sea Salt and Raspberries in Dark Chocolate bars, as well as peanut butter cups.

The next time you walk into the library, stop by and say hello. You might leave with the book you were looking for, a new question to explore or, if you’re lucky, a chocolate recommendation.