Friends, classmates, and all other interested parties:

As Adams House prepares to close for major renovations, the new House Deans have made a last-minute decision (not yet official) to oust the Bow & Arrow Press from its historic home in the basement of B-entry in favor of creating a new common room for Adams House students.  This is a surprise to all, as improvements to the Press were developed and incorporated into planning.  

The Deans have stated that the Bow & Arrow will not be part of Adams House when it reopens.  There is no alternative space identified, and the challenges of finding an appropriate space on or near campus are extreme given the excessive weight of the presses, vast holdings of equipment and materials, and need to provide easy but secure street-level access.

Students — otherwise consulted as part of decision-making about Adams House's needs and future — have had NO opportunity to weigh in about this.  Nor have others who understand the vibrant role that the Press plays in House and campus life and the greater arts community. 

It is worth noting that the Bow & Arrow is a community-built space, founded by students and grown through the contributions, labor, time, and creativity of Adams and other Harvard students, alumni, faculty, and others over the course of 45 years.  

The Bow & Arrow is scheduled to be packed up and put into storage on April 25th, just as it wraps the celebration of its 45th anniversary.  Unless plans are reversed or another solution arises, this bustling center for learning and creative expression closes with no future home.

WE ASK that the House Deans withhold their decision in order to collect input by constituents and set forth the reasons that alternative new common spaces were not considered.

WE ALSO ASK that Harvard College demonstrate its commitment to the vibrant future of the Bow & Arrow Press as a student and community resource by advocating for, and providing for, that future and a campus presence as a matter of priority. 

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR HARVARD CLASS YEAR OR AFFILIATION, IF ANY.  And please include a brief statement about the Bow & Arrow's importance to you and to the communities it serves.