Most students who attend Marquette, or even those who have simply taken a tour of the campus, know about the Tolkien manuscripts kept in the library’s rare books collection. But just down the road, the Milwaukee Public Library (Central branch) also holds a collection of the world’s smallest books and a variety of illuminated manuscripts viewable to anyone carrying a photo ID. In fact, most libraries have a collection of rare books that are free for the public to view.
Memorial Library is the most accessible place for students to get the research they need. It holds more than 6,000 rare books, every one cataloged. Topics revolve around Marquette and include Catholic theology, Jesuit history and early 20th-century British authors. Because of a small acquisitions budget, however, the collection’s expansion relies on books being donated by benefactors.
Matt Blessing, head of the Department of Special Collections, works to make sure that everyone knows the nature of Marquette’s collection.
“Most people hear ‘rare book’ and think that it must be old. Age is actually a very rare reason why a book is kept. More often, these books are first editions, first books by authors or are inscribed by the author,” Blessing said.
Marquette students can access these rare books simply by showing their MarquetteCard. Non-Marquette students must give a reason to view these items, such as a research project, but they may also view them at no cost.
Milwaukee’s Central Library boasts a terrific collection as well. Along with the world’s smallest books (six millimeters in length and width), it holds many historical records of Milwaukee, volumes on ornithology and a very rare illuminated book titled “The Voices of Friends Concerning John Plankinton,” or the Frackelton book (named after the artist who illuminated it).
“We want to encourage people to use (the collection),” said Central Library librarian Patricia DeFrain. “The books are here for the people of Milwaukee, not just scholars or historians.” Interested patrons can call the Art, Music and Recreation Department at 414-286-3071 to set up a viewing of specific rare books. A library card is the preferred identification, but a state-issued ID will also be accepted.
Max Yela, a librarian working in the special collections at the Golda Meir Library at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, offered insight into why libraries preserve particular books.
“We at the special collections try to document how the book medium changes from era to era, and we try to experience the way it first was in the world,” Yela said.
The UWM library offers a broad variety of books, many of which specifically relate to programs on campus. But if Marquette students are looking for studies on American nursing history, social justice, Irish literature, Civil War regimental histories or even comic books, they should give the archives at UWM a shot.
According to Marquette and Milwaukee’s libraries, the use of and interest in rare books is up. Last year Marquette’s rare books were viewed approximately 15,000 times, according to Blessing. Many people see these books as out of reach, something only scientists and doctors can view, but it couldn’t be more contrary. These books are a resource, and will be shared with anyone who wishes to use them.