The Writers in the Library program began in 1999 as a venue for students in the creative writing program to present their works and evolved into a program in which published writers spoke at the library and which featured a Jack E. Reese Writer in Residence. The library selected a writer, paid them a small honorarium, provided space, time, the use of a computer, and supplies for a year. The writer in residence then was responsible for operating the “readers in the library” facet of the program. The program was discontinued briefly for the 2009–10 year because of budget cuts, when the library was not able to fund the writer in residence or provide honoraria for readers. It was reinstated in June 2010.