It’s finally that time of year again, the one filled with turkey and stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Of course, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food. It is about being thankful for all the things that are meaningful in our lives. This includes family and friends, and for us Publishing students, reading and words. If you are staying in New York City for the holiday, why not take this opportunity to explore one of our city’s beautiful libraries? The plethora of words and the smell of old books will warm you right up. There are many library locations here in Manhattan to explore.
Several library exhibitions are currently available to view as well. One exhibition includes “Dearest Jackie:” On the Death of JFK. Although it is not an exhibition to boost your mood, it is one of historical importance. November 22, 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s death. The exhibit “features the work of 20th-century masters Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, as well as a heart-wrenching photograph by the great Elliott Erwitt. At the heart of the exhibition is a poignant condolence letter to Jacqueline Kennedy from Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., written within hours of the assassination. An intimate associate of both Kennedy and the First Lady, Schlesinger puts into words the grief and despair of a nation.” This exhibition takes place at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in the McGraw Rotunda and goes until Sunday December 1.
If you need something to put you in the holiday spirit, then the exhibition “A Literary Christmas Miscellany from the Berg Collection” might be a better fit for you. This exhibition features Charles Dicken’s prompt copy of A Christmas Carol, from which he gave his public readings of the story. The exhibit also features a book with a Christmas theme by T.S. Eliot, and Christmas readings by James Joyce, Sean O’Casey, E.E. Cummings, and Maurice Sendack. You can also see a photograph of Dicken’s eldest sister’s son who is said to have been the inspiration for Tiny Tim. This exhibition is open until January 5, 2014 at the Stephan A. Schwarzman Building in the Deborah, Jonathan F. P., Samuel Priest, and Adam R. Rose Main Reading Room.
This Thanksgiving, let history and books surround you, and remember to be thankful that they are one of the reasons you are here at Pace today.