“Library Intern Presents an Engaging Exhibit Featuring the Most Ancient Books in the Collection”
**How a Creative Library Intern is Sparking Renewed Interest in Vintage Literature**
For ages, libraries have served as gathering spots for communities to seek knowledge, find inspiration, and connect with stories from the past. However, with the monumental task of cataloging and managing countless resources, it’s not uncommon for hidden treasures to be overlooked. One library intern, Jacob Blanck, known on Reddit as [u/ILovePublicLibraries](https://www.reddit.com/user/ILovePublicLibraries/), is dedicated to reinvigorating interest in old books and assisting patrons in rediscovering the gems quietly residing on the shelves.
Blanck, interning at the historic Rockville Library in Vernon, Connecticut, recently created a buzz online with a curated book display that highlighted some of the library’s most ancient and intriguing items. His post, titled [“I’m an intern at my local library and I made a book display”](https://www.reddit.com/r/MadeMeSmile/comments/1hpu6hi/im_an_intern_at_my_local_library_and_i_made_a/), gained momentum as book enthusiasts worldwide admired his initiative to honor the legacy and timeless appeal of vintage literature.
### **Discovering Hidden Gems**
Founded in 1904, the Rockville Library has been a vital part of the Vernon community for over a hundred years. While advances in technology have ushered in e-readers, online catalogs, and digital archives, the library’s essence lies within its physical collection. Blanck’s intrigue regarding the library’s history inspired him to delve deep into its catalog and unearth some of its oldest existing works for public exhibition.
What took center stage in his display? A book titled *Colonial Women of Affairs*, published in 1924. Blanck notes that the library has owned this book since 1925, making it one of the collection’s most enduring artifacts. As remarkable as its age is the condition of its orange floral cover, which has astonishingly remained in good shape through years of usage.
The book delves into the roles of women in business and professional spheres during colonial times, a subject often overshadowed in history. Visitors stopping by the display have not only admired the book’s age but have also engaged in discussions about its historical significance, igniting renewed enthusiasm for literature they might have otherwise missed.
### **Encouraging Community Involvement Through Innovation**
This isn’t the first instance of Blanck employing his creativity to engage library visitors. In September, he assembled another themed display to commemorate National Literacy Month and National Read a Book Day. By showcasing books related to specific themes, Blanck has shown that libraries can be more than mere book repositories—they’re dynamic, interactive spaces full of inspiration.
What sets Blanck’s displays apart is his ability to combine historical relevance with an element of playfulness, using tangible displays to narrate a story. Fellow Reddit users, motivated by his initiatives, have expressed their gratitude in the comments, with many revealing a newfound desire to visit their local libraries to uncover potential treasures.
### **The Significance of Libraries in an Evolving World**
Blanck’s experience underscores a frequently overlooked reality: Libraries transcend simple book loans. They are vibrant centers of culture, education, and community. Yet maintaining these spaces in a lively and engaging manner demands passion, creativity, and, crucially, community support.
In the face of funding hurdles and competition from digital media, numerous libraries encounter challenges. Nonetheless, the initiatives of interns and librarians like Blanck remind us of the importance of these institutions in our lives. By crafting meaningful displays, organizing events, and highlighting neglected titles, they forge essential connections between history, literature, and contemporary society.
### **An Invitation to Participate**
As Blanck’s story spreads online, it invites others to engage more actively with their local libraries. Whether through volunteering, donating, attending events, or simply stepping inside for the first time in years, there are ample opportunities to support these indispensable institutions.
Libraries, after all, preserve a multitude of narratives—whether it’s the history of women in colonial entrepreneurship or the silent tales of books that have endured nearly a century. And as Blanck cheerfully reminds us, all it requires to unveil them is a bit of curiosity and a passion for storytelling.
### **Rediscovering the Delight of Libraries**
As we applaud Blanck’s contributions, let’s take a moment to consider the significance of libraries in our daily lives. They are venues where curiosity thrives, allowing anyone to enter a bygone era or gain a fresh viewpoint. The simple act of creating a display may appear minor, but it demonstrates how powerful small efforts can be in safeguarding and revitalizing our collective cultural heritage.
So, the next time you step into your local library, take a moment to glance at those aged shelves.