#chainedlibrary

[uispeccoll]

#MiniatureMonday

#PatSweetSeries

[Chained alchemical library] created by Pat Sweet

During the Middle Ages in Europe, books in some libraries were attached to the shelves with metal chains- long enough that they can be taken down and read at the shelf, but are still protected from theft.

Here are some examples of full sized chained libraries that still exist.

Here we have a beautiful miniature version that includes everything, the books, chains, lectern and shelf. However, it is hard to say how much protection this tiny set would provide from theft, as the entire item, shelf and all can easily fit in one hand!

"Six blank books ranging in size from 31-55 mm. chained to a wood model lectern."--Catalog

You can learn more about Pat Sweet, and see more of her work on her website: https://www.bopressminiaturebooks.com/

^These book are protected from your thieving ways, bunny! And from anyone smaller then you!

--Diane R., Special Collections Graduate Student

[kislak-center]

It seems that this title belonged to a chained library, a method which began to appear in the Middle Ages to prevent theft of a library’s valuable materials. It stands today as a beautiful decorative element to the book, which is an abbreviated version of the decretals compiled by Raymond of Peñafort in the 1230s by order of Pope Gregory IX. While the chain is attributed to the 17th century, the origin of this book is placed between 1250 and 1299. Call number: LJS 280 Facsimile: http://ow.ly/5WDq30im7hY * * * #kislakcenter #pennlibraries #librariesofinstagram #chainedlibrary #Catholicism #binding #bookbinding #middleages #specialcollections #chainedbooks #iglibraries #manuscript

[uispeccoll]

#MiniatureMonday

Medieval Chained Library

Before the printing press really took off and made books relatively cheap and available in Europe, books were sometimes connected to the shelves with chains that were long enough to allow the book to be taken down and read, but still prevent theft. This practice died out in the late 1800′s, but a few libraries of this type still exist that can be visited, as you can see in this list of surviving chained libraries.  

This mini ‘alchemical’ chained library and shelf is much newer but still just as amazing. Created around 2012 in California by a printer and binder named Pat Sweet, the holder is made of wood and metal, while the (blank) books are stitched, with little metal embellishments on the covers. The chains are also real metal, and do keep the books attached to the shelf, although how much theft protection this would provide is uncertain, as the whole collection, bookcase and all would likely fit in a large pocket!

--Diane R.

[mybookbath]

👩🏻‍🏫ANNOUNCEMENT👩🏻‍🏫 Have you ever thought about going back to school? If you could what would you study? 📚 I have been thinking about it for a while now and I finally got serious, did my research, applied, and guess what?!... A couple of weeks ago I was interviewed and tested. Then last week I was contacted saying that I was accepted into “Library School”! 🤓 Actually, the program is called Library and Information Technology. I can’t stop thinking about how perfect this program is for me! The thought of having a career surrounded by books, books and more books, and helping people find their next favourite read, excites me more than words can express! 📚 I have to send a heartfelt thanks to the amazing friends I have tagged here for their encouraging and heartwarming support throughout this process. I’m so lucky to have such supportive friends like you! Also, big shouts out to my local, beloved libraries! I am excited to see a lot more of you in person in the coming months and years! @nvdpl @westvanlibrary @langaralibrary @vancouverpubliclibrary @northvancitylibrary @friendsofthevpl . . . 📸 I took this photo at the Chained Library in the Hereford Cathedral in England when I visited two years ago with some @bookstagramhay friends. If you have never been, I highly recommend a visit. . . . . . . . #literarylife #librarystudies #librarylove #knowledgeseeker #chainedlibrary (at Chained Library) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_kkPY8njLU/?igshid=ito4r10j6bzm

[needlemind]

The Chained Library, Wells Cathedral #chainedlibrary #library #books #wellscathedral #wells #cathedral #book #shelves (at Wells Cathedral)