Special Collections Exhibits

Current Exhibits...

Invisible Books from the Library of Babel
January 10 - March 24, 2008
Main Floor, West Wing
UWM Libraries

A librarian at the Library of Babel famously observed that "in order for a book to exist, it is sufficient that it be possible."  But what is possible and impossible are not as easy to define as one might think.  Until only a few decades ago, we would have declared that invisible books were impossibilities. 

Today, however, we know that invisible books do exist, and while they have been discussed and written about, few have been put on display and none have been shown in this country.  The exhibition "Invisible Books from the Library of Babel," on view on the Main Floor, West Wing of the Golda Meir Library, January 10-February 29 2008, brings together for the first time in the United States nine examples of these scarce and difficult to identify artifacts.

These rare books, on loan from the Library of Babel and other repositories, have been carefully researched and prepared for exhibition by UWM Special Collections Librarian Max Yela.  On view are such rare treasures as George Berkeley's 1712 defense of his theory of immaterialism, The Tendency towards Existence; the Tlönese classic Axaxaxas mlö; and the highly provocative 1932 cipher book, Combed Thunder.  Also on display are works of contemporary invisible publishing, including the recently-discovered 1976 play by Samuel Beckett, Entropolis, and perhaps the most recent of invisible books, the enigmatic dream book The Colonel's Portentous Cat Unsays.

Forever 29
Chicago Hand Bookbinders Exhibition 2008
January 14 - March 24, 2008
Fourth Floor Exhibition Gallery
UWM Libraries

Every year, the UWM Libraries hosts the annual show of new works by members of the Chicago Hand Bookbinders (CHB).  This year’s Chicago Hand Bookbinders Exhibition offers interpretations on the theme "Forever 29," reflecting on the organization’s thirtieth anniversary.  On the cusp of a new decade, CHB continues to struggle with its identity and direction.  The twenty-ninth year for many signifies that final year of youth, the last chance to make big mistakes or hold on to innocence.  For some it is a chance to set goals for adulthood or to 'get serious,' whatever that means.  But as a mere number, twenty-nine also suggests ideas of transcendence.

Also on display in celebration of the Chicago Hand Bookbinders thirtieth anniversary, are a selection of artist’s bookbindings from the extensive collection of artist’s books in Special Collections' UWM Book Arts Collection, presenting a range of binding approaches, from traditional fine bindings to unique structures.

Upcoming Exhibits...

China Travel Journals 2007
April 1 - May 31, 2008
Fourth Floor Exhibition Gallery
UWM Libraries

Of Making Many Books 2007:  Bookworks from Art 309/509
May 1-18, 2008
Main Floor, West Wing and the Special Collections Reading Room
UWM Libraries

Online Exhibits