Anonymous Patron writes “A sad tale from The Aurora (IL) University library.
The last remains of the Aurora University rare books room, which was dismantled earlier this year because of a “lack of interest,” is being sold, cheap. Built in the 1960s, the room was occasionally used by interested librarians and one English literature professor who would take his students in once a year.
“They don’t really fit the curriculum anymore,” Huggins said, caressing the marbled cover of Oliver Goldsmith’s A History of the Earth and Animated Nature, 1774.
“But maybe someone will just want to have something from the 18th century around their house.”
suburbanchicagonews.com has more.” You’re invited to come by tomorrow if you’re interested in purchasing some of the books – Call (630) 844-5437.
Is “a shame” too trite?
I do think it is a shame that institutions, once stewards of cultural materials, almost in a fiduciary sense, now act like businesses, where when faced with “lack of interest”, simply close up shop and sell off the assets.
Re:Is “a shame” too trite?
Not too trite. It IS an awful shame. Who deserves the blame…that people who normally visit libraries aren’t showing an interest in these old treasures, or that benefactors aren’t there to help support the libraries? Maybe both.