UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The people who work closely with rare and unique materials often have a lot to say about them; there are clear favorites that bring delight to those on either side of the reference desk. Curators from Penn State University Libraries' Eberly Family Special Collections will share several of these selections in a new exhibition, "Playing Favorites: Highlights from the Special Collections Library," on display in 104 Paterno Library on the University Park campus starting Thursday, Dec. 11.
For this endeavor, those who teach, catalog, research, acquire, curate and describe rare book and archival materials were invited to choose one or two items to share with a wider audience — in hopes that visitors will be enraptured with the eclectic results.
An opening reception will take place on Dec. 11 at 4-5:30 p.m. in Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, and in the adjacent Special Collections Library. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. Entry to the exhibition is free and open to the public during exhibition hours, through Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Several of the exhibition highlights include mementoes of Guion Bluford’s NASA missions, original Lynd Ward woodblocks and the 1934 edition of Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" they helped to illustrate; the 1647 printing of William Shakespeare’s "Comedies and Tragedies" published by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher; and an original illustrated manuscript celebrating the family history, professional accomplishments and success of Black business owner Allen J. Coles.
There will be various programming opportunities to engage with the exhibition, including curator-led exhibition tours. These guided events will be offered on Jan. 21 at 11 a.m., Jan. 30 at 1 p.m., Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m., Mar. 31 at 11 a.m., and Apr. 22 at 10 a.m. Please meet in the Special Collections exhibition space located in 104 Paterno Library.
"Playing Favorites: Highlights from the Special Collections Library" was curated by faculty, staff and students at Penn State's University Park campus, and organized by Rachael Dreyer, head of curation and engagement for Special Collections.
Exhibitions in the Eberly Family Special Collections Library are made possible by generous support from the Sandra K. Stelts and Ronald L. Filippelli Exhibitions Program Endowment, the Krumrine Family Libraries Endowment, and the Dorothy Foehr Huck Endowment. Further questions and requests for class or public tours, including inquiries regarding accessibility accommodations, should be directed to Rachael Dreyer at rad24@psu.edu.
Penn State University Libraries is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class.