Rare Books Preservation at Duke University Libraries
Duke University Libraries is offering a unique opportunity to preserve rare treasures, such as Audubon's "Birds of America", by adopting a book during American Archives Month in October.
In the Mary Duke Biddle Room, two rare books valued at $1 million each are secured behind a 1,000-pound glass case, protected from temperature and light variations. These books can be "adopted" for a fraction of their value.
- Only 120 complete sets of "Birds of America" by John James Audubon still exist.
- Duke owns one set of the four volumes, printed between 1827 and 1838, each measuring over 3 feet by 2 feet.
The two books on display showcase a vibrant, hand-painted drawing of a bird studied and sketched by the renowned ornithologist.
On the first Friday of every month at 12:15 p.m., one page in each book is turned to reveal a new depiction of a species, and the public is welcome to witness the ritual.
Author's summary: Adopt a rare book at Duke University Libraries.