MEDIA CONTACTS: Terri Berns
561-297-1164, tberns@fau.edu

FAU Libraries Celebrates Millionth Book with Special Reception

BOCA RATON, FL (October 6, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University Libraries marked the installation of its millionth book with a reception held in the Jaffe Atrium Book Arts Gallery at the Wimberly Library on the Boca Raton campus. The book, a handmade limited edition, titled A Field of Owls: The Burrowing Owl Observed, was unveiled before a crowd of more than 100 people. Published by FAU Libraries' fine arts press, "Minerva: the Press at Wimberly," the book features letterpress printing and a specially designed binding. It will be on display as part of a related exhibition through Sunday, December 11, 2005, at the Jaffe Atrium Book Arts Gallery, FAU's Wimberly Library, 777 Glades Road. This exhibition is free and open to the public.

"It is unusual for a library to create its own millionth book," said Dr. William Miller, director of FAU Libraries. "However, it is emblematic of this library, with its emphasis on artists' books, and its access to fine book press equipment…. Most libraries spend thousands of dollars for a first edition of some rare book for this kind of event."

The book was printed by Book Arts Coordinator John Cutrone and Collections Specialist Seth Thompson. Copy number one of the book was specially bound and boxed by internationally renowned Master Bookbinder Paula Marie Gourley and includes the original copper plate engraving used to print the owl illustration by artist Terri Berns, who is also director of communications and cultural affairs, FAU Libraries.

FAU President Frank T. Brogan notes in the book's forward, "How appropriate that the millionth book to be added to Florida Atlantic University's extensive library collection is a small but important volume devoted to a small but important subject: the burrowing owl."

After the ceremony of the millionth book, a surprise birthday celebration for President Brogan took place, complete with an original music arrangement of "Happy Birthday," performed by members of FAU Libraries' Klezmer Company Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Aaron Kula, director of music collections, FAU Libraries. Among those attending the reception were special friends of the Libraries - Virginia and John MacEachron; Arthur Jaffe, curator, The Arthur and Mata Jaffe Collection: Books as Aesthetic Objects; FAU Foundation Board Chair Betty Zinman; Mary Ellen and Roy Barden; FAU University Club President Alene Brewer; LEAH President Connie Packman; and LEAH officers and members, Gail Dinnerstein, Elaine Leventhal, Barbara Berns and Nancy Dershaw. Also present were Barbara and Jules Perlman, Theodore Simkin and Elaine Green, Marianne Haycock, Judith and Dr. Howard Weiner; Hugh W. Ripley, Beverly and Alvin Shapiro, Margery and Jack Fishkin, Sally and Paul Nussbaum.

Special guest Judith Hoffberg, noted book art critic and publisher of Umbrella, an authoritative and comprehensive newsletter, which is quoted and read worldwide, flew in from Santa Monica, California to give a lecture on book arts and to be part of the celebration.

For additional information about the book and related exhibition or to purchase a limited edition owl print from the owl illustration in the book, call the Jaffe Collection at 561-297- 0226 or email jcutrone@fau.edu.

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