Event to mark UNL Libraries' 3-millionth volume

Three million books: That's a lot of pages and a cause for celebration.

On Sept. 27, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries will unveil the 3-millionth book of the University Libraries' research collection. In keeping with the tradition of adding millionth volumes to the collection, the 3 Millionth Volume is a rare book.

A ceremony and presentation will be at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Love Library. Invited guests and the public attending will learn the identity of the book and author. A special lecturer has been invited to speak about the book's significance in literary history. The Friends of the Libraries, UNL and the Nebraska Humanities Council are sponsoring the event, which is free and open to the public.

It has taken 138 years for the UNL Libraries research collection to reach the 3 million mark, making it the largest and still the only comprehensive research library in the state.

In 1970, one year after UNL's centennial celebration, the University Libraries added its 1-millionth book, the "Workes of Geffray Chaucer newlye printed," published in 1542 and donated by Johnnie Johnsen.

In contrast, it only took 21 years for the University Libraries' collection to reach 2 million volumes. In 1991, "Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories, & tragedies: published according to the true original copies," better known as the First Folio, was added to the collection. Published in 1623, the rare book was donated by Sydney Johnsen Wayland, daughter of Johnnie Johnson.

Both books reside in the Archives and Special Collections area of the University Libraries. Soon, the 3 millionth book will be revealed and join its predecessors.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the presentation, contact the Friends of the Libraries, UNL at (402) 472-6987.

Contact: Joan Barnes, development and outreach librarian, (402) 472-6987