Explore Edgar Shannon and Small Special Collections Libraries (in-person)

In-Person Event, Open to All, $35 (Includes Lectures, Lunch, and Tours)

Join Lifetime Learning for a full day of exploring two UVA libraries: the main library, the newly renamed Edgar Shannon Library, and the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library.

In the morning, participants will tour the renovated Shannon Library. Library staff and volunteers will lead us through the light-filled halls, rooms, and stacks and visit unique spaces like the McGregor Room, known to the students as the Harry Potter Room, and the interior study courts with vaulted glass ceilings. A UVA historic preservationist will share remarks about the care taken to pay homage to the original building.

Next, we will transition to the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library for lunch, afternoon lectures, and tours. Library staff will lead us through the Harlem Renaissance exhibit and show us recent acquisitions to the special collections. The program will conclude with a conversation with the faculty and staff of the Julian Bond Papers Project. We will learn how this digital project makes the work of the civil rights icon and former UVA professor freely available to the public, scholars, and students.

This program requires extensive walking.

Krystal Appiah, Head of Collection Development at the Small Special Collections Library and curator for Virginia and African American collections. Her research interests include African American history, print culture, women’s studies, and the history of education.

Laura Baker, Managing Editor, The Julian Bond Papers, is a digital publishing professional, editor, and writer with experience in the higher education and software industries. Her content specialties include African American, women, and working-class personal narratives.

Brenda Gunn, Associate University Librarian at the Special Collections Library, is a certified archivist with experience in academic, higher education, and governmental settings.

Henry Hull, Project Coordinator in Historic Preservation, worked on the renovation and preservation of UVA’s Edgar F. Shannon, Jr. Library. Currently, he is the construction administration manager on UVA’s Ivy Corridor Karsh Institute of Democracy project.

Carla Lee, Deputy Librarian at the Edgar F. Shannon, Jr. Library, is the chief advisor to the University Librarian on all aspects of library operations. She oversees the administration and planning unit.

Deborah McDowell, Alice Griffin Professor of English, and Director of The Julian Bond Papers Project. The project makes nearly 50,000 documents Bond bequeathed to the University of Virginia available to students, scholars, and the public.

George Riser, Curator at the Small Special Collections Library, supports instruction, exhibitions, and collection development. His areas of specialization include early printing and American literature and history.

Holly Robertson, Curator of Exhibitions at the Small Special Collections Library, designs and produces exhibitions that offer new pathways to our rare and unique collections.

The Central Grounds Garage is conveniently located under the University Bookstore at 400 Emmet Street and is the closest parking lot to the Shannon and Special Collections Library. Hourly parking may be paid via the ParkMobile app.

The Culbreth Road Garage, located in the Arts Grounds at 130 Culbreth Road, is available for hourly visitor parking. Hourly parking may be paid via the ParkMobile app. This garage is a short walk from the Shannon and Special Collections Library.

Cancellation Policy
Participants may cancel their registration for this One-Day UVA program by emailing Susan Lynch at [email protected]. Susan will send an email notification confirming your cancellation.

Refund Policy

If Lifetime Learning (via Susan) receives your cancellation email before midnight on April 17, 2024, you will receive a refund of 50% of your registration fee.

If Lifetime Learning (via Susan) receives your cancellation email after midnight on April 17, 2024, no refund will be issued.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

UVA Libraries, 160 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, United States