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Palm reading at the library

September 25, 2001

Palm reading at the library

Photo of miniature book

Miniature books, such as this Charles Dickens tome, are now available for anyone to inspect in Memorial Library’s Department of Special Collections. Many of the books, each about the size of a business card, are highly illustrated, colorful collections of quotes from famous authors such as William Shakespeare, Robert Browning and George Eliot. (Photo: Jeff Miller)

When Friends of UW–Madison Libraries member Beth Kubly donated more than 100 books to campus libraries recently, no one worried about having to clear shelf space.

The volumes, from the collection of Kubly’s father, former business professor Harold Kubly, are all miniatures, each about the size of a business card. Among the meatier manuscripts of the library’s special collection, the little leather-bound volumes stand out like a line of Lilliputian soldiers.

Dating from the early part of the 20th century, these pocket editions were kept close at hand for when their owners needed a few quiet moments of inspiration or reflection. Now they’re available for anyone to inspect in Memorial Library’s Department of Special Collections.

Tags: learning