Tag: Exhibition

Featuring rare books from the holdings of Special Collections, our exhibition in Burling Gallery (lower level) When Books Are Burned chronicles the history of book burning and censorship from the 14th century to present. The destruction and censorship of books is not a new phenomenon and can be dated back to the 3rd century BCE in China. One of the most infamous attacks on intellectual freedom is the pro-Nazi book burnings that occurred in Germany in 1933. However, the desecration and censorship of books occur at many scales: from school boards challenging books to regime sponsored, systematic destruction of libraries. When Books Are Burned illuminates this extensive history, providing important context for contemporary attacks on intellectual freedom.

Curated by Special Collections student workers Gabriel Martinez ‘28 and Han Orr ‘28.

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Image by Katherine Owen

May 22-August 21, 2026, Burling Gallery, Lower Level

Grinnell College adopted a formal Sustainability Plan in 2018 and has been working toward that goal ever since. However, sustainability efforts at the college date back to the 1990s. This display explores past student- and college-driven initiatives and previews the Library Sustainability Certificate Series, which will begin in Fall 2026. In partnership with the Sustainability Department, students, staff, and faculty, Grinnell College Libraries will pursue this certificate to re-dedicate itself to sustainability. Learn more about the series of events and activities we have in store to inform and engage the community and celebrate progress made along the way. 

Curated by Kayla Reed, Discovery, Systems, & Digital Strategy Librarian

May 11-August 30, 2026, Burling Gallery, Lower Level

Featuring artworks which embody the spirit of the Carnivalesque, this exhibition centers the absurd and chaotic, at times making larger statements about political issues and power structures. These works from Grinnell’s collection place various temporalities and spaces in conversation with each other, all through the lens of Carnival, a moment and locality when anything and everything can be turned upside down. Curated by Cornelia Di Gioia ’26

April 11-May 8, 2026, Burling Gallery, lower level

PS1 Press Co-Op is a collectively run printshop that provides affordable local access to book and print arts in the Iowa City area. They provide studio space, education, collaboration, and community through printmaking. PS1’s print shop and members served as a great source of inspiration for Grinnell’s new Burling Library Book Lab. The work in this exhibition features recent work by PS1 Print Co-Op members and offers further inspiration for our own Book Lab community.