Volunteer "Corner Doctor" Repairs Books at U of A Libraries

Inside the University of Arkansas Libraries Preservation department, damaged books are repaired and returned to the shelves for future readers. For Todd W. Walker, this work is a way to give back to a place that helped shape his life.

Walker has volunteered with the Libraries' Preservation department for more than two years. He spends a few hours each week repairing worn book covers, focusing on the corners that often break down over time. This work has earned him the nickname "Corner Doctor."

"I wanted to give back," Walker said. "The university contributed a lot to my life."

Walker first came to the U of A as a student and studied entomology before moving to Louisiana to pursue his doctorate. His career later took him across the country. He served as an entomologist in the U.S. Army, worked as a biologist in California and evaluated pest control equipment for the U.S. Navy. He later returned to Louisiana, where he led a mosquito control program in Baton Rouge.

Even with that wide-ranging career, Walker said the Libraries stood out during his time as a student.

"I remembered the environment the library gave me," he said. "It was a place I could go to study and prepare for classes."

Years later, after retiring and settling back in Arkansas, Walker continued to support the Libraries as a donor. That connection eventually led to a tour of the Preservation facilities, where he saw how damaged books are repaired.

"I just asked if I could help," he said.

Now, his volunteer work supports the Preservation team's efforts to keep materials in circulation. The department repairs books with torn pages, damaged bindings and worn covers so they can continue to be used by students and researchers.

Walker said the work he does is simple but important.

"It helps them a lot," he said. "They can focus on other things, and I can do something useful."

He also enjoys the routine and the people he works with.

"Everyone's been very nice," he said. "It gets me up in the morning and doing something."

Walker's decision to give back is rooted in his experience as a student. He recalls a time when he considered leaving school but was encouraged to stay by a university dean who helped him find a job in the Entomology Department. That support allowed him to gain experience and continue his education.

"Numerous people at the university helped me through my career," he said. "That's why I wanted to give back."

The Libraries' preservation work will be featured in the upcoming "One Day, One U of A" campaign, a 24-hour fundraising event. As part of the campaign, donors can "Adopt a Book" by supporting the repair of damaged materials.

Each donation helps cover the cost of supplies and labor needed to restore books. These efforts ensure that collections remain available for future generations.

For Walker, the work is about more than repairing books. It is about maintaining access to knowledge and supporting the same institution that once supported him.

Through his steady, careful work, he helps give books a second life and ensures they remain part of the U of A community.