Adopt-a-Book 2013: Lewdness & Loud Talking Forbidden!

Tonight is the night! Come to AAS at 6 p.m. for the Society’s 6th annual Adopt-a-Book event! There will be food, drinks, original collection materials to view, and curatorial knowledge-sharing.  If you haven’t pre-adopted it will be $10 to get in, but if you have, it’s free! You can still browse the 2013 Adopt-A-Book Catalog to view the 125 items up for adoption, but remember 50 NEW items will be available exclusively tonight. Here’s an example of one of the graphic arts items that will only be up for adoption in person tonight:

From the Library Regulations. Pawtucket, Rhode Island: Gazette & Chronicle Office, after 1827.

Adopt me for $50

This small broadside from a library in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, spells out the penalties for breaking rules (mostly fiduciary in nature) and also clarifies stockholders’ borrowing terms and how long books may be used at home. The rules end with a declaration set in all caps that there will be no smoking or loud talking or, most importantly, no indecorous conduct in the library. Not much has changed, really, when it comes right down to it.

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

Published by

Lauren Hewes

Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Graphic Arts, American Antiquarian Society

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