Bartlett Library patrons able to tour Lenhardt Library

On Tuesday, June 28, Bartlett Library patrons were able to tour the Lenhardt Library's special collections library of the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

The tour and parking were free for Bartlett Library patrons because the program was a part of the Lenhardt Library's "Public Library Days," which are only offered to select libraries throughout the year that apply to be included in the program. This year, Bartlett was selected as one of the libraries whose patrons would receive free parking at the Botanic Gardens as well as a rare tour of the special collections.

During the first part of the visit, patrons were given a tour of the general collection of the gardening library, which included books about gardening, horticulture and botany, as well as books with a more international scope, discussing the plants and flora of a more particular region or with a more scientific approach.

Later, patrons were taken into a rare book reading room where they were able to view and handle books dating all the way back to the 1400s. They were able to view the library's oldest book (printed in 1483) and get up close and personal with books containing hand painted illustrations, first editions of journals still in print today and books that have been chopped by dealers to sell smaller pieces of the books to make a profit.

Finally, patrons were given a gallery talk on the library's current exhibition called "The Language of Flowers."

Following the program, patrons were free to explore the gardens on their own and enjoy a concert amongst the garden's flora on a gorgeous summer night.

An upcoming Adult Services program is "Keep Calm & Color On" on Saturday, July 9 at 2 p.m. Come and experience the latest trend in relaxation: Adult Coloring Books! Studies show coloring has a calming effect on the adult mind and helps to promote overall wellness. Coloring pages from books designed for adults as well as colored pencils, markers and crayons will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

For more information and a complete listing of scheduled programs, call 630.837.2855 or visit www.bartlettlibrary.org.