Library a shrine to math prof

By Kearney Williams
The Metropolitan

Room 226A in the Science Building has wooden shelves stacked with books and faux leather chairs. The cabinets have been painted to match by Metro math Professor Rich Bailey.

In one alcove hangs the picture of Richard Misare, one of the original professors in the Mathematical and Computer Sciences department who died of lung cancer in January 1996.

More than 100 people showed up March 4 for the dedication of the Richard Misare Memorial Library.
It came about through the endowment from the Misare family.

Richard Misareās specialty was algebra theory. He taught at Metro from 1968 to 1995.

According to Charlotte Murphy, the department chair, he loved to do his work by hand. When the department supplied each member with a computer, Misare told her that he would never turn it on or plug it in.

He never did. He never married or had children. He loved basketball and rock climbing.

Misareās portrait in the library shows him in his college days. He has thick glasses and his hair is combed to the side. Murphy thinks itās appropriate.

ćHe was the kind of person who never changed,ä she said.

More than 10 math and computer science professors helped to renovate the room, and others donated books. The Metro Math and Computer Sciences Alumni Association has set up a fund to buy more books in coming years.

The library, which is attached to the math tutoring office, has more than 500 titles on everything from the how to win at gambling to the most up-to-date math theories.

It will be open on weekdays, and professors in the department will keep office hours there. It will also be open for faculty and student meetings.