News & Blog

“The World of Disney: Inspirations from the Baroque & Rococo” looks at the imaginative and ambitious artistic and architectural projects of two men: King Louis XIV (1683-1715) and Walter Elias Disney (1901-1966). Using a variety of materials from the UCF Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives and the Libraries’ General Collection, this exhibit demonstrates ways Disney elevated popular entertainment by emulating the elegance and grandeur of Baroque and Rococo art and architecture of Louis XIV’s Versailles. The exhibit was curated by UCF students Madison Clyburn, Chelsea Hilding, and Shatia Gordon for their class “Art of Disney” (ARH3888) with UCF Art History professor Dr. Keri Watson. The exhibit is on view on the 5th floor of the John C. Hitt Library from April 6, 2018 through June 29, 2018.

Haitian art is a unique synthesis of different cultures, including indigenous Caribbean, African and European. In all societies, however, nature plays an important role in people’s daily lives. The newest exhibit from UCF Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives, “Nature as a Linking Force: Temporal and Spiritual Life in Haiti,” celebrates the close bond between Haitian identity and nature. The show displays paintings of Haitian people enclosed in lush and vivid landscapes, voodoo rituals, and fantasy scenes. The exhibit was curated by UCF student and Special Collections & University Archives employee, Renata Nagy, and designed by Special Collections & University Archives book conservator, Christopher Saclolo.
The exhibit is on view on the 2nd floor of the John C. Hitt Library from Wednesday, April 4th through Thursday, May 31st.

New books enter the UCF Libraries system on a regular basis. At the John C. Hitt Library, we select those with interesting titles, eye-catching dust jackets, or timely topics to feature on a display. The books range in subject from photography, science, and history to poetry, novels, and biographies. The display, which is next to the seating area at the Research & Information Desk, changes around every two weeks.

Stop by. Maybe there will be one you want to take home with you.

Here is a small selection of the 50 books that are currently on the display:

To keep up with all the new additions to the New Book Display, follow our guide.

Our latest exhibit follows the history of bourbon from its roots in American frontier life to modern prominence as an internationally recognized spirit. As Scotch is a distinct product of Scotland and Canadian Whisky originates in Canada, bourbon is a product that is uniquely American. The exhibit includes materials from the library’s collection paired with a selection of distinct bourbon brands. Special thanks to Dr. Marissa Orlowski of Rosen College and the Sazerac Company Archives for contributing items. The exhibit will be on display through Spring 2018.

If you would like to read more about bourbon, check or request these books from the Rosen Library:

• • Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey: An American Heritage by Michael R. Veach
  • Bourbon Empire: The Past and Future of America’s Whiskey by Reid Mitenbuler
  • Bourbon: A History of the American Spirit by Dane Huckelbridge

During February, an exhibit of material about the Buffalo Soldiers will be displayed in the John C. Hitt Library on the main floor. The Buffalo Soldier Historical Society is installing the exhibit to celebrate African American History month. The Society’s mission is to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the history of African-American military units from 1775 to 1951.

All are welcome to a presentation on Friday, February 2 at 2.00 p.m. in the John C. Hitt Library Room 223 for an exciting presentation on an important part of our history.