3 million and counting...
Library to celebrate acquisition milestone

by Emily Silverman, special to the Chronicle

he Library will celebrate the acquisition of its three millionth volume with a public program, exhibit, and reception on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. on the Main Floor (Garden Level) of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library.

     The Library's three millionth volume is Gypsy and Other Poems, by James Baldwin, with portraits of Baldwin in etchings by Leonard Baskin. The poems, most written while Baldwin was teaching at the University in the early 1980s, were unpublished when Baldwin and Leeds resident Baskin agreed to collaborate on a book to be published by Baskin's Gehenna Press. In the course of preparing the volume, Baldwin died, and Baskin went forward with the publication in 1989 as a memorial tribute. Leonard Baskin, himself, died this past summer.

     The Library's copy of Gypsy and Other Poems is #34 of a deluxe edition of 50 and is a gift of UMass Amherst Friends of the Library and Lisa Baskin.

     The program of speakers will include remarks by Leonard Baskin's widow, Lisa Baskin, on the collaboration of the writer and artist. Afro-American Studies professor Michael Thelwell will discuss Baldwin as a poet and as a colleague at the University. The book's binder, Daniel Gehnrich, will describe the creation of the book's deluxe edition.

     Associate Chancellor for Equal Opportunity and Diversity Esther Terry will read some of the poems. Provost Cora Marrett and director of Libraries Margo Crist will address the context of this milestone in the history of the Library.

     A reception will follow the program. An exhibit pertaining to the Library's first and second millionth volumes, and the making of the third will be on display. The exhibit will continue in Special Collections and Archives (25th Floor, Du Bois Library) through January.

     The campus community and the public are cordially invited. For more information, contact Linda Seidman (5-2780).