Cryptid Sightings in Branner Library
Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, a Mermaid, and the Mysterious Mothman are roaming freely throughout the Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections in an exhibition titled Cryptids Around the World, curated by Ambree James and Cristal “Cris” Lozano-Bocanegra, two of the seven summer interns from East Palo Alto Academy. “Our library exhibit tells the tales of rumored cryptids around the world. Through maps and books, you can discover when these legends originated and where they can be found,” they said.
Ambree and Cris are avid readers of mythology, fantasy, and science fiction and wanted their interests to be reflected in the exhibit. “We settled on cryptids after debating on other topics like cultural mythologies and mythical creatures,” Cris said. “The mermaid maps were my favorite due to beautiful cartouches on the maps and the singular note on one map that pointed out a swimming destination for ‘tritons and mermaids’.” Both agreed: “There’s so much information about mermaids!”
The delightful exhibit displays historical maps of cryptid sightings and cryptid-themed museums around the world framed by whimsical drawings and striking silhouettes. “I drew concept art on scratch paper for visuals and it felt like practice for the future since I’m interested in becoming a concept artist,” Cris said. Ambree collaborated on the design: “I was able to put my interest and love of creating into this project via making the posters, templates, and overall design of the exhibit.”
“We divided the jobs into researching and designing,” they recounted. “We grabbed maps and books. We found videos: documentary style and some more entertaining. We came up with the idea to theme our exhibit around a case, like detectives looking for these cryptids. We designed a clue and quest board with Post-its, red yarn, and informational flyers designed to look like newspaper clippings. Overall, it was a very fun experience.”
“I got a sense of the lasting influence these cryptids have from the parades in their honor and the statues built in their name,” Ambree said, “and I wonder if Leprechauns and Gnomes count as cryptids. If Branner could have its own cryptid, it’d probably be a humanoid owl!” Cris concluded, “I think it’s cool, all the people that believe in the cryptids, even after so much time.”
Cris and Ambree described their internships as productive and fulfilling. “Visiting Stanford’s offices and laboratories provided insight to the different careers and jobs one can have, while working at Branner helped me understand the tasks of a librarian,” Cris said. Ambree added:
“The many projects expanded my knowledge in the work that Stanford’s libraries take pride in. From working on monthly exhibits in Branner to rehousing specimens in the mineral collections, each experience has been unique and exciting. I'm thankful for this opportunity I was given and hope this internship continues to thrive in the future.”
The students’ advisors, Earth and Environmental Sciences Librarian Alma Parada and Cartographic Project Metadata Librarian Brynn Kramer, congratulated them on their recent high school graduation and on the completion of their internship: “They created a popular and interactive exhibit. It was fun working with them this summer and seeing the originality and creativity they brought to their work was a delight.”