With classes and campus activities in full swing, students have new opportunities to get involved and connect with their peers.
McMaster University Libraries have launched the Reach Out Project, a series of drop-in and registered programs designed to foster community and belonging. From book clubs and craft sessions to game nights and cultural events, these initiatives aim to create welcoming spaces where students can meet and bond over shared interests.
“A strong sense of belonging is directly linked to student well-being and academic success,” said Lynne Serviss, associate university librarian, User Services and Community Engagement. “By creating intentional opportunities for connection, we’re helping students feel grounded and supported throughout the term.”
Libraries spaces such as the Campus Accessible Tech Space (CATS), Lyons New Media Centre, and Thode Makerspace, already provide hubs for creativity, accessibility and collaboration. Now, through the Reach Out Project, students have even more ways to connect.
Casey Hoeve, associate university librarian, Content, Access and Open Licensing, says the Reach Out Project was developed to be meaningful and reflective of student experiences.
“It’s been exciting to see our employees and students contribute to these initiatives,” said Hoeve. “Libraries employees brought forward creative, inclusive ideas, and where students were involved, their input helped shape the projects to reflect real campus needs.”
The Reach Out Project includes seven initiatives; each offering a unique opportunity for students to connect and collaborate outside of the classroom.
Reach Out Project initiatives at campus libraries:
Halloween Drag Storytime with Karma Karmeleon
Presented by Queer Study Buddies & Lyons New Media Centre
Join Queer Study Buddies on Oct. 28, 2025 from 2-3 p.m. for Halloween Drag Storytime, in Lyons New Media Centre on the fourth floor of Mills library. Local drag queen Karma Karmeleon will read a chapter from It Came from the Closet, an anthology of queer reflection essays on horror, and share a special lip-sync performance. Enjoy spooky crafts, candy, and a prize raffle. Spooky crafts will continue until 4:30 p.m.
Theory of Water Book Club
Presented by the Libraries Sustainability Committee
Engage in meaningful conversations about Indigenous Knowledges and our local waterways, and build a community with students and staff who care about our planet. Together you’ll read and discuss Theory of Water: Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson. The book club has hybrid meetings on the last Thursday of the month from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in room L304 of Mills library or online. Registration is required.
Cozy Crafternoons
Presented by Thode Makerspace and Library Accessibility Services
Get creative and meet other students while enjoying hands-on activities in a welcoming environment. Cozy Crafternoons meets monthly, with each session offering a new seasonal project. Join the first session in October to paint gourds in the Connections Centre, on the main floor of Mills library. Registration is required.
Building Wellness and Connections at RJC
Supported by the RJC Student Centre
The Reach Out Project at the Ron Joyce Centre (RJC) aims to provide wellness support and build a stronger DeGroote School of Business community of MBA students. This initiative will be student-driven, led by the MBA student ambassador and student DEI co-chairs. The grant will help fund various activities, including game nights, paint nights, and karaoke, that will bring students together. The MBA Student Experience Team is also contributing to the pilot.
Strategic Change Book Club
Led by an upper-year student in the Integrated Business and Humanities program, this book club dives into Multisolving: Creating Systems Change in a Fractured World by Elizabeth Sawin. The group will discuss change management, collaboration, and how we can build better systems. Strategic Change Book Club meets October 21 and November 18 at 4:30 in the Wong room, on the main floor of Mills library.
Phone-Free/Accessible Game Nights
Presented by Library Accessibility Services
Beginning in October, step away from your screen and connect with new friends. These monthly game nights will feature accessible games in an inclusive environment. More details to come.
Buddy Bingo
Presented with Paper Trails Society
Buddy Bingo brings students together in small groups to complete activities in the libraries and across campus. Share favourite study spots, explore the libraries, and get a treat at local businesses in Westdale. Snap photos and win prizes! Sign-ups will begin this fall, with the event being held from January to March. Watch for the Paper Trails Society booth in Mills and Thode libraries for more information.
Learn more
For full details on upcoming programs and registration details, visit the libraries’ events webpage.
