As the campus buzz slowly returns and the Maverick spirit reawakens with the promise of a new semester, there's a certain kind of energy that only fall can bring, a mix of anticipation, excitement, and the urge to start strong. Right at the heart of this energy is UTA Libraries, ready to welcome students back with an event that's equal parts celebration and discovery.

Join us from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15 at the UTA Central Library for our annual Welcome Back Fair, an open invitation to play, create, snack, explore and connect. Whether you're a first-year student finding your way around campus or a returning Maverick gearing up for your final stretch, this event will reintroduce you to where learning, research and innovation intersect.

"Our goal with the Welcome Back Fair is to kick off the semester in a fun but also meaningful way," Tristan Arnold, Lead Library Specialist, said. "We want students to see the Libraries not just as a place to check out books, but as a hub for creativity, academic support and community."

Each floor of Central Library will offer something unique, from games and crafts to chances to chat with library staff and explore services like the FabLab, research consultations and our expansive collections.

Here's what you can expect:

• Interactive activities on every floor
• Snacks and crafts to enjoy while you explore
• Prizes for those who complete a library "passport" by visiting various stations—think UTA Libraries swag and dorm-ready goodies.
• An exceptional performance from the Maverick Theatre Company's Flight 12 Improv Troupe, bringing laughter and spontaneous brilliance to the stacks

Beyond the fun, Arnold emphasized the heart behind it all: creating opportunities for conversation.

"The biggest thing we've noticed is that many students aren't fully aware of how the Libraries can support their work," he said. "The Fair helps break down those barriers, it's about making introductions, answering questions, and sparking moments of curiosity that turn into academic confidence."

So, as your semester begins, let UTA Libraries be where your story kicks off, with laughter, learning and a few unexpected discoveries. Who knows? A quick conversation at the Welcome Back Fair could lead to your next research breakthrough, favorite study spot or even your go-to creative escape.

Start your fall with us, because every great semester begins with a spark of connection.