By Kevin Costello
Campus Correspondent/Daily Campus
Reprinted from the UConn Daily Campus published Tuesday, October 1, 2013
The University of Connecticut Libraries are among the top resources available for UConn students.
With thousands of books, top-notch electronics, and solitary cubicles, students count on the libraries. Now they have teamed up to bring students various exhibits. The exhibitions can be found in the Homer Babbage library and the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center.
These exhibits are meant to inform and entertain students with well-constructed displays. Reaching students of all kinds is of primary importance, so the exhibitions highlight various subjects. The exhibits are suitable to reach all interest levels and both experts or beginners.
Homer Babbage Library is home to two of three, while the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center houses the third.
The exhibits encourage students and visitors alike to entertain their interests and explore new subjects. There is something for everyone- the cultural, musical and unconventional. First, at Homer Babbage is the exhibit entitled, “Asian Americans at UConn, A 20-year Perspective.” Twenty years ago, UConn established the Asian American Cultural Center and Asian American Studies Institute. The exhibit celebrates members of the Asian American community that have inspired others. It can be seen in the Norma D. Stevens Gallery located in Homer.
Second at Homer Babbage is an exhibit fans of all music styles can enjoy. “Vintage Beatle Guitars” is the title of this collection, and it features guitars previously owned and used by the legendary band. The guitars stand in glass displays, lining the walls as students enter. Students stop and glance throughout the day at guitars that were personally owned by the band. The proud owner of the collection is Beatles die-hard Carlo Cantamessa. He fell in love with guitar and the band when they first appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964. He began taking lessons in Waterbury, Conn. and now plays as John Lennon in several Beatles tribute shows. Highlighted in the display are notable guitars such as George Harrison’s 1966 Gretsch 6122 Country Gentleman, the instrument he used to record “She Loves You.”
The third and final exhibit is located in the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center Gallery. Here, students can see the dramatic evolution of women’s bookworks throughout the years. “A Private and Sensuous Encounter” presents the writings of women artists from 1966 to 2013. Beginning with their emergence on the Fine Press scene, the exhibit shows the increasingly unconventional approach taken by these women. Fine arts and creativity are highlighted in this exhibit. The exhibits opened on Aug. 1, and will be available for viewing until Oct. 25.