Steampunk display in library

This archived article was written by: Rachel Prows

The library’s display of various Steampunk items and information on what steam punk is.
“Our library director, Lori Brassaw came to me this summer, and asked if I would do a display on ‘Steampunk.’ I am assigned to the displays in the Library and change them on a monthly basis, with the help of our student supervisors. I decided to show this display in October because the movement itself is very costume oriented and I hoped it would go along with the month that most people seem to love to ‘dress up’ in costumes,” Library Manager Aimee Lauritsen said.
Lots of the items were purchased through Amazon. There are some items, including that box shoes two hats and the jet-pack that were made/decorated by Lauritsen.
“When I was assigned this display, I was completely unaware of the term ‘Steampunk.’ I first looked up the term online, via the Webster’s Dictionary. That is when I realized that I have seen movies and read books with Steampunk as the theme. I then read many articles and even watched videos and news broadcasts to understand the movement more clearly.
“It is always fun to work on a display, especially when learning something new! I always welcome suggestions for displays.” Lauritsen said.
Wikipedia has a very clear and accurate description of what Steampunk is:
“Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th –century industrial steam-powered machinery. Although its literary origins are sometimes associated with the cyberpunk genre, Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the 19th century’s British Victorian era or American “Wild West”, in a post-apocalyptic future during which steam power has maintained mainstream usage, or in a fantasy world that similarly employs steam power. Steampunk may, therefore, be described as neo-Victorian.”
The display will be taken down in the morning of Monday, Oct. 31.