Pequot Library’s Special Collections contain many examples of bindings created from reused materials, including vellum manuscripts, wallpaper, newspapers, and handwritten paper documents. Other books in the collection serve purposes not originally intended, used by their owners as scrapbooks or to press and preserve botanical specimens—some of which are now considered endangered.
Inspired by the summer 2024 reading theme, “Read, Renew, Repeat,” Waste Not examines the ways that book creators and owners have reused materials available to them, made their own “folk repairs,” or given new purpose to books. Come view a diverse selection of Special Collections books dating back to 1570, while considering the value of re-use and preservation of resources in a culture built on disposability.
Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, June 20, 6:00 p.m., with a gallery tour led by Special Collections Librarian Cecily Dyer.
This exhibition will remain on display until September 21, 2024.
Please join us for the following companion programs:
Help Plant a Pollinator Garden at Pequot Library | weekly from June 17 to July 15 at 3:30 p.m. (children ages 8-17)
Tale and a Trail Tuesdays: June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 at 10:30 a.m.
Make Your Own Recycled Paper | July 10 at 3:30 p.m. (children ages 8-12)
Flower Pressing Workshop | July 17 at 3:30 p.m. (ages 8+)
Audubon’s Pollinators Scavenger Hunt | June 17-July 27
Read, Renew, Repeat | Summer Programs at Pequot Library | Starting on June 14