Smithsonian Libraries and Archives

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How Artistic Traditions and Natural Materials Combined to Form the Modern Book

Artistry from the Middle East and raw goods traded through European ports both had a profound influence on the style of the modern bound book

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New Exhibit Uncovers the Raw Materials of Rare Books

Explore the natural elements of centuries-old books with upcoming exhibition and online program

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Meet the Wildflower Artist Who Was a Smithsonian Champion

New book and upcoming program highlight work of artist and naturalist Mary Vaux Walcott

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Mark Your Calendars for the Smithsonian's Upcoming National Education Summit

The free, two-day, online and in-person program offers unique opportunities for educators, librarians, media specialists and policymakers nationwide

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A 19th-Century Encyclopedia Gets a Modern Makeover

"Iconographic Encyclopaedia of Science, Literature, and Art" was translated and updated by Spencer Baird, a man who would become the Smithsonian's second Secretary. Much like our very own Institution, it covered topics from art to zoology. Today, a new digital edition helps brings its knowledge to 21st-century viewers.

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Join Smithsonian Libraries and Archives for Adopt-a-Book Salons

The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives' Adopt-a-Book Salons offer a chance to take a closer look at our collections and the opportunity to support their preservation and acquisition. William Bennett previews one intriguing item that will be available.

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Here’s Your Chance to Color in Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Collections

Pulling from digitized collections, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives has just released ten free, downloadable coloring pages as part of the Color Our Collections campaign. Whether you want to bring polychromatic glory to old black-and-white photos or scribble in vintage fashion plates, you’ll find a little something for everyone in this new packet.

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Holiday Cooking With Hannah Glasse

Care for some pigeons au poir? Or maybe pickled walnuts? Explore 18th century English cuisine with a popular book of the time: "The Art of Cookery Made Plain & Easy" (1770) by Hannah Glasse. This Smithsonian Libraries and Archives' copy was owned by Smithsonian founder James Smithson.

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Intriguing Items from the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ Adopt-a-Book Program

Smithsonian Libraries and Archives highlights five fascinating collection items and shares how you can support them.

Introductory graphic for “Adopt-a-Book: Preserving Treasures Together” video series. (Smithsonian Libraries and Archives)

New Video Series Highlights Book Conservation Treatments

Take a closer look at the work of Smithsonian Libraries and Archives book conservators through a new video series. While they’ve had to step away from the bench during the pandemic, our Preservation Services staff have been hard at work describing some of their remarkable conservation techniques in video form.

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