If you have visited the Library of Virginia in recent months, you may have noticed several new exhibit cases on the building’s second floor. These display cases hopefully add some color and interest to the public floor, as well as highlighting little-known aspects of the collections or commemorate an event or person. Staff recently installed two new exhibits in the Library’s East Reading Room.
One display highlights travel in the Commonwealth. These materials from the Library’s collections, chosen by Microfilm Specialist Mary Hennig, give a glimpse into the history of Virginia travel, and may provide resources to plan a future trip. Whether you are interested in traveling the back roads, relaxing on the beach, mountain biking, or visiting historic sites, there is something for everyone in Virginia.
To celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, Archival Assistant Mary Dean Carter selected several works by Virginia authors for another display. “I was proud to have curated this selection of books,” says Carter. Some of the books included are: Rita Mae Brown’s 1973 classic lesbian coming of age story, Rubyfruit Jungle; Nikki Giovanni’s poetry collection, A Good Cry; and Images of America: Lesbian and Gay Richmond by Beth Marschak and Alex Lorch.
So if you are doing research at the Library or just visiting The Virginia Shop, be sure to walk through the East Reading Room to check out these interesting and informative displays.
–Mary Hennig and Mary Dean Carter