Special Collections invites you to visit its new exhibit, “A New Look at Old Friends: An Exhibit of Vintage Series Books for Girls,” now on display in the 4th Floor atrium of Belk Library and Information Commons.
The exhibit features books from the Elaine J. O’Quinn Girls’ Studies Collection in Special Collections. On display are a variety of materials related to girls’ series books from the mid-1800s through the early 20th century. Featured series include Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, Beverly Gray, and Elsie Dinsmore, among many others.
Each display case visually explores three interrelated approaches to girls’ series books. The first case, “Fans,” shows the marketing and fan following of girls’ series books. The second case, “Collectors,” displays a selection of collectible books and literature about collecting them. The final case, “Scholars,” highlights how girls’ series books are now being studied and shows related scholarly literature.
In addition to the exhibit, on April 19, 2012, the Elaine J. O’Quinn Girls’ Studies Collection will be dedicated and Dr. O’Quinn will give a lecture about her research on girls’ series books.
To learn more about the O’Quinn Collection, visit our webpage: http://www.library.appstate.edu/collections/rare/children.html. The collection is available for use in the Dougherty Reading Room located in Special Collections, Room 432. The Dougherty Reading Room is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, call 828-262-7974 or email spcoll@appstate.edu
On Thursday, October 27, Special Collections will host an open house showcasing Civil War resources from the W.L. Eury Appalachian Collection. The open house will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Rhinehart Room on the 4th Floor of Belk Library and Special Collections. Come see maps, books, letters, and other historic materials documenting the American Civil War, 1861-1865. Special Collections is holding this open house in celebration of 
The Dougherty Reading Room in 
The Bootleg Turn: Moonshine and the Genesis of NASCAR, a new exhibit, is now on display in the Atrium on the fourth floor of the library. Researched and designed by graduate student Jessica Michak, The Bootleg Turn showcases the development of NASCAR and its association with moonshining in Appalachia. This exhibit features materials from the following collections: the Cratis D. Williams Papers, the John T. Shepherd Papers, the Horton Family Papers, the Moonshining in Burke County: The Career of N.C. ABC Officer Fred Hennessee Collection, and the Stock Car Racing Collection. 
Out of the Stacks, Into the Light: Highlighting Newly Processed Collections, a new exhibit, is now on display in the Atrium on the fourth floor of the library. This exhibit features materials from five collections: Ralph Fickel Papers, Blanford Barnard Dougherty Collection, William H. Plemmons Papers, Herbert W. Wey Papers, and Thomas Reese Railroad and Printing Collection. The exhibit not only highlights newly processed collections, but also presents individuals who have made important contributions to the University and the community.