Check out the display cases on the 4th floor of the Library which showcase items from Special Collections. The items on display change regularly, so look for future updates on what’s new!
The current display features a selection of items from the Rare Book collection, which holds around 500 items covering topics from art, literature, Canadiana and photography from the early 1700s to the present. The oldest book in the collection is a first edition of Alfred, An Epick Poem in 12 Books by Sir Richard Blackmore, published in 1723. The poem tells the story of King Alfred the Great of England (849-899), but the author has dedicated it to Prince Frederick of Hanover, the eldest son of King George I of England, and has clearly intended the young prince to learn from his text: “…he, who loves his country and wishes well to mankind, cannot chose a more effectual means to promote their happiness, than by inspiring into a young prince such generous sentiments, such just ideas of political prudence…”