The 1611 King James Bible is one of the best known and most frequently printed books in the English language, but most don't know the story behind its creation. A series of exhibits and events at the University of Minnesota Libraries will reveal that story.

"The Word Made Flesh" exhibit, open now through Friday, February 24, 2012, features examples of biblical texts, medieval manuscripts, and facsimiles from the University Libraries' special collections. Highlights include two leaves from the 42-line Gutenberg Bible; the original New Testament portion of the King James Bible; other early printings such as the Geneva Bible and the "Breeches" Bible; and related works stemming out of the Reformation such as publications, broadsides, and pamphlets from Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, and others.

The traveling exhibit "Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible" will be installed from Wednesday, January 25 through Wednesday, February 15, 2012. Organized by the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., and the American Library Association Public Programs Office, "Manifold Greatness" is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, with assistance from the Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas, to mark the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible. The traveling exhibition was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Learn more at manifoldgreatness.org.

Free and open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday (except University of Minnesota holidays) on the 4th floor of Wilson Library, 309 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis. A reception and colloquium, featuring presenters Bernard M. Levinson, David Haley, Michael Hancher, Mark Granquist, and Chris R. Armstrong, will be held on Friday, February 3, 2012, from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Other related local events are listed at z.umn.edu/kjv400mn

Posted by Marlo Welshons at 4:20 PM | Permalink

Need more time and space to study as the semester winds down? Select library locations will have extended hours, caffeine-fueled study breaks, and even Gabe the therapy dog to help you get through finals week. Details are listed below.

Bio-Med
Where: A portion of the 2nd floor in the Bio-Medical Library in Diehl Hall
When: Open 24/7 from December 7 until 6:00 p.m. on December 22
What's Available: study tables, group study rooms, public computers, wireless for laptops, self-service printer, self-service photocopier, print Reference collection
What's Not Available: circulation, reserve, reference, or IT support
Don't Miss: Stress Buster Station from Monday, December 12 through Wednesday, December 14. Daily activities include: cookies and cider from noon to 1:00 p.m.; pet therapy with Gabe, a registered therapy Husky dog, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.; and 5-minute chair massages from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Magrath
Where: Study area adjacent to the main Magrath entrance
When: Extended hours from December 15 through December 22: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. Monday - Thursday; 7:00 a.m. - midnight Friday; 10:00 a.m. - midnight on Saturday; and noon - 2:00 a.m. on Sunday.
What's Available: study space
What's Not Available: circulation, reserve, reference, or IT support
Don't Miss: Study breaks on December 14 and 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free coffee and pop along with some stress reliever games and activities for students to borrow.

Walter
Where: 2nd floor Great Hall
When: Open 24/7 from December 14 until 6:00 p.m. on December 22
What's Available: study space, the copy machines, and Value Port
What's Not Available: access to collections, services or Library workstations
Don't Miss: Study break on Thursday, December 15th at 7:00pm in the 2nd floor Great Hall. Free cookies and drinks, with a chance to win a free coffee drink from the Wise Owl cafe. You can also pick up a free, used book (donated by staff) for leisure reading over the break, watch videos in the Media Viewing Room, and play movie trivia.

Wilson
Where: Basement level
When: Open 24/7 from December 14 until 6:00 p.m. on December 22
What's Available: public computers, self-service printing and copying, microfilm scanners, group study rooms, individual study tables; limited access to collections between midnight and 8:00 a.m.
What's Not Available: circulation, reserve, reference, or IT support

Posted by Marlo Welshons at 9:57 AM | Permalink