Andersen Library Tour
After UMRA’s luncheon meeting, UMRA members were treated to a unique tour of some special archival collections as well as the storage caverns at the Andersen Library.
Tour Elmer L. Anderson Library with UMRA
Tue, September 27 2016, 1:30pm
Elmer L. Anderson Library, West Bank Campus
At the close of UMRA’s luncheon meeting, September 27, UMRA members will be treated to a unique tour of some special archival collections as well as the storage caverns at the Andersen Library.
Sign up for tour when you make your luncheon reservations, and, if you want a ride to the Andersen Library, please indicate that so we can save you a seat on the shuttle bus. Please let us know so we can give the tour staff at Archives a count to plan for.
The special collections you can see at the Andersen Archives include original manuscripts and artwork from children’s books (Goodnight Moon, anyone?), rare maps, architectural drawings, materials relating to immigration and social welfare history, literary and performing arts materials, artists’ books, records from the University’s history, and much, much more.
Our knowledgeable curatorial staff will be on hand to talk about their collections and answer questions. No matter what your interests may be, we have collections that will delight and excite. And they’re yours to explore!
You’ll also have an opportunity to see our current exhibits— “The Misadventures of Sherlock Holmes” (we have the world’s largest collection of materials relating to the famous consulting detective), and “K is for Kiss-Me-Over-the-Garden-Gate,” a botanical alphabet from the rich collections of the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
And finally, we’ll take you on a tour of the caverns—80 feet below ground and two football fields long—our state-of-the art collection storage facility.
— Kris Kiesling, Elmer L. Andersen Director of Archives and Special Collections
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.