Currently, the Rare Book Department at the Free Library of Philadelphia is providing tours which include an introduction to the history of the book showing select items from the collections, including cuneiform tablets, a section of a papyrus scroll, a medieval manuscript and a leaf from a Gutenberg Bible. The tour also includes a visit to the Elkins Room, the actual library of a former Free Library Trustee who was also a prominent book collector.
These tours take place every Monday to Saturday at 11am in the month of October.
Karin Suni, the Curator of the Theatre Collection gave the tour last Saturday and she was fantastic. Karin provided the patrons on the tour with intelligent insight, clear explanations, and passionate enthusiasm about the library’s collections. In addition to being educational, it was also very fun! The Free Library’s Rare Book Department has a lovely array of materials from classic literary authors papers, Americana, art, history, science and much more.
There are also several ongoing exhibitions open at the Free Library. In the Rare Book Department, there is “Fated Sky: The Textuality of Time & Space”.
This exhibition presents people’s views of the heavens and the connections between religion, time, and science by showcasing prints and manuscripts, from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment.
Fated Sky will continue to be on display through Feb. 14, 2015, Monday– Saturday, 9am-5pm.
On the first floor of the Free Library in the West Gallery is an ongoing exhibition “Born of the Bard: Works Inspired by Shakespeare.”
This exhibition demonstrates the ways in which Shakespeare and his work have inspired artists to produce a variety of art and literature of their own. Through items like movie posters, novels, programs, and photographs, visitors can see the vast impact Shakespeare has had on cultural heritage around the world.
Born of the Bard will continue through Dec. 21, 2014, Monday – Saturday 9-5, Sunday 1-5.
Please take advantage of these excellent offerings and visit the Free Library of Philadelphia.
Delaware Valley Archivists Group 