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Jun. 2nd, 2009 06:21 pmWe had several lectures today about the importance of security in the Library of Congress. Security is multifaceted in such a place as the Library. There was the section on security from emergency threats, such as fire or terrorists. Then we had a talk about how to keep safe while walking around on "The Hill" as Capitol Hill is referred to around here. But the most interesting discussion on security came when the head curator/librarian of the Rare Books and Manuscripts department began to address us. After extolling to us how important it is to treat these books carefully--as they may well be the only copy of said book left in the world--he did get on a bit of a rant. "These books are not just here for you or for our present generation of researchers. These books are here for all future scholars who may need them. Keep that in mind! We are the guardians of knowledge, the ones who fight to protect and preserve. However, that being said, you are here for the rare opportunity of working with these items. Don't be afraid to ask to see them. This is your chance to handle them, to see things you may never see again. That being said, I brought this to show you."
Every one in the room sat up a little straighter. You know the expression "a hush fell over the room"? Well, it happened. We were all hushed.
He held up small white box. "See these numbers written on the outside of this archival quality box? These numbers indicate that this item should be evacuated in case of an emergency. If the building is emptied due to a fire, etc, this book comes with us. The book also goes no where with out an armed escort." He then opened the box and removed a wooden box in the shape of a book. "This is the box built by the owner to protect the book." He opened that box and then another. Finally we got to see the book.
It was a small, tattered black book. We are all leaning forward, anxiously awaiting to hear what it is. Remember, the whole room is filled with people who hold books in the utmost reverence.
"This book was printed in 1640. It is the first book printed in the United States. It's a book a Protestant Psalms entitled Bay Psalm Book." He told us the whole story behind it, as he has made a study of the history of the book itself. He knows who owned it and when. It was donated to the library after the library published a list, "top 100 books the library of Congress needs to acquire." This is the only copy left. I honestly felt in awe. As he told us, it's not just the information contained in the books; its the history of those who owned them, who loved them, and who studied them. It's the journey the books followed.
Along those lines, as I walked home from the busy day, I saw a book store. I went inside looking for the fifth Percy Jackson book (I've looked and looked for that book since I started this trip and I just cannot find it!) but the book store turned out to sell only used books. Even better! I found a two volume set of books entitled "Chinese Art" and they were published in 1910. What sold me on the books was not the content, but the little bits of memorabilia that are to be found in between the pages. For example, I found a post card written in 1893, telling the receiver to "Lift up your eyes to the Heaven by Hills--lift up your heart. There is so much upward and indeed for you and me--we must walk here--but let our gaze be to things above and beyond." How cool is that! There are several other bits and pieces of papers in the book--an Easter card, a mini calendar from 1927, and an invitation to a Reverend's 80th birthday party. I love it. Of course, I bought them for Chris but I can still appreciate the fun bits for myself.
We also had a tour of the Library today. It was amazing. It seems like every surface of the Library is covered in art, all symbolic in one way or another. A really interesting bit for me was that I saw the name of a poet, Lowell, that I have only recently learned about. It was surprising to see him there, name written in gold leaf on the ceiling. He's a character in a book I'm listening to, The Dante Club, and I just did not realize how influential he must have been. We also saw the Gutenberg Bible which was really neat as well. The tour guide told us that every three months a staff member turns every page in the Bible, because "just like people, books need to be exercised." Wouldn't it be awesome to have that job? "So, what do you do?" "Oh, you know, I turn the pages of the Gutenberg Bible. No big deal."
Tomorrow we are to report to our individual divisions and I have no idea where to go :) I suppose I'll just show up at the Asian Division and hope that's right!
Every one in the room sat up a little straighter. You know the expression "a hush fell over the room"? Well, it happened. We were all hushed.
He held up small white box. "See these numbers written on the outside of this archival quality box? These numbers indicate that this item should be evacuated in case of an emergency. If the building is emptied due to a fire, etc, this book comes with us. The book also goes no where with out an armed escort." He then opened the box and removed a wooden box in the shape of a book. "This is the box built by the owner to protect the book." He opened that box and then another. Finally we got to see the book.
It was a small, tattered black book. We are all leaning forward, anxiously awaiting to hear what it is. Remember, the whole room is filled with people who hold books in the utmost reverence.
"This book was printed in 1640. It is the first book printed in the United States. It's a book a Protestant Psalms entitled Bay Psalm Book." He told us the whole story behind it, as he has made a study of the history of the book itself. He knows who owned it and when. It was donated to the library after the library published a list, "top 100 books the library of Congress needs to acquire." This is the only copy left. I honestly felt in awe. As he told us, it's not just the information contained in the books; its the history of those who owned them, who loved them, and who studied them. It's the journey the books followed.
Along those lines, as I walked home from the busy day, I saw a book store. I went inside looking for the fifth Percy Jackson book (I've looked and looked for that book since I started this trip and I just cannot find it!) but the book store turned out to sell only used books. Even better! I found a two volume set of books entitled "Chinese Art" and they were published in 1910. What sold me on the books was not the content, but the little bits of memorabilia that are to be found in between the pages. For example, I found a post card written in 1893, telling the receiver to "Lift up your eyes to the Heaven by Hills--lift up your heart. There is so much upward and indeed for you and me--we must walk here--but let our gaze be to things above and beyond." How cool is that! There are several other bits and pieces of papers in the book--an Easter card, a mini calendar from 1927, and an invitation to a Reverend's 80th birthday party. I love it. Of course, I bought them for Chris but I can still appreciate the fun bits for myself.
We also had a tour of the Library today. It was amazing. It seems like every surface of the Library is covered in art, all symbolic in one way or another. A really interesting bit for me was that I saw the name of a poet, Lowell, that I have only recently learned about. It was surprising to see him there, name written in gold leaf on the ceiling. He's a character in a book I'm listening to, The Dante Club, and I just did not realize how influential he must have been. We also saw the Gutenberg Bible which was really neat as well. The tour guide told us that every three months a staff member turns every page in the Bible, because "just like people, books need to be exercised." Wouldn't it be awesome to have that job? "So, what do you do?" "Oh, you know, I turn the pages of the Gutenberg Bible. No big deal."
Tomorrow we are to report to our individual divisions and I have no idea where to go :) I suppose I'll just show up at the Asian Division and hope that's right!