Benjamin Albritton on Giving Birth to Special Collections at Stanford University Libraries

December Midday Program

There’s an exhibit on at Stanford about The Handmade Book. Its location speaks volumes about benefactors who have helped to build the library. The exhibit is in the Peterson Gallery and Munger Rotunda, Cecil H. Green Library, Bing Wing. (Even if you knew the way, could you resist asking just everyone for directions to the Bing Wing?) 

It is easy to take for granted that an institution like Stanford would have very special special collections. But it wasn’t alway so. So how does a special collections library get started at a university that housed only about 3,000 books when it opened in 1885?

Dr. Benjamin Albritton, Rare Books Curator and Bibliographer for Classics at Stanford will spin the remarkable tale that may even include a mention of the silent movie classic The Great Train Robbery. He holds degrees from universities on both coasts and from two countries:  Yale, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Washington. A kind man, Albritton promises not to mention Palo Alto’s temperature as we gather in December.  

We’re used to hearing about the wonderful treasures housed in special collections at famous libraries. But how does a library fill those shelves? Register today and prepare to settle into your favorite Zoom Room or even join us at the Union League Club for the intriguing answer! 

In person

Holiday buffet lunch and live attendance – $65.00
Zoom program on 8th floor, Steel Room, Union League Club. Presentation begins promptly at Noon. A festive holiday buffet, complete with dessert and a toast, follows immediately in the Lincoln Ballroom. Reservations required by noon December 6. Seating is limited to 24.

Via Zoom Program (only)

Zoom presentation is free and open to all. Zoom attendees will have an opportunity to participate in Q&A. Registration for attendance via Zoom is required.