When it comes to FSU-sanctioned Halloween fun, you can count on Dirac-ula, a yearly event held outside of Dirac Library celebrating all things spooky.
You, the as-of-yet-uninformed reader might be thinking something to the tune of “Dirac-ula? Where did he come from? If there’s a vampire on campus, I demand law enforcement intervention!” But rest assured, Dirac-ula is a perfectly safe annual event. No biting, no flying, and no heart-staking required. And the titular vampire is nothing but a friendly and festive face that you should get your photo with, and not a loathsome monster to be exorcised.
Now that your nerves have been (mostly) settled, you certainly now want to know where Dirac-ula came from, and what his appearance heralds. The origin of Dirac-ula is a strange, nebulous thing. As far back as at least 2012, in conjunction with FSU Libraries, the physics department began dressing up the statue of Paul Dirac as Dirac-ula. However, this was not to last; many years passed without Dirac-ula reemerging. Then, in 2021, FSU Libraries took matters into their own hands with the launching of a new Fall festival celebrating the Dirac-ula tradition.
The mastermind behind this festival, Emily McClellan Lopez, Student Engagement Coordinator had this to say regarding the origins of the event: “I started this fall festival because I loved the unique tradition the libraries got to be a part of. Additionally, we were just coming out of COVID-19 and it was an uncertain time for everyone to be on campus. After we did the first festival, people were so appreciative, and overall, really excited, it made me want to do it every single year.”
Emily also wanted to extend recognition to those who work at the Dirac Science Library, serving students every day, as well as Paul Dirac, the namesake of the library: “While our event is lighthearted in nature, it serves as an opportunity to highlight Dirac’s immense contributions to physics. It’s worth noting that Dirac once held the same academic position as Isaac Newton, and he worked alongside luminaries such as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.” Do not miss your chance to take your picture with Dirac-ula, for it is not every day that one gets to stand next to an immortal vampire with the likeness of a true genius.
The usual suspects of this event are crafts, snacks, and the discussion of library resources. This year, 2024, there will be pumpkin suncatcher painting, a photo booth, and Dirac Library staff eager to talk resources. Everyone is welcome to come and participate. The event will take place outside of Dirac Library on October 16 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
And while the event is named after Dirac-ula, take care to visit permanent resident and friend of Dirac Library, Boney-Wan Kenobi, who is available for checkout at the scholar support desk!
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