Library services during winter break: Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center will be closed on 12/25 and on 1/1-1/2, and will be open all other weekdays between 12/25 and 1/1. All other libraries will be closed from 12/25 to 1/4. Circulation of books and materials, as well as other services, will also be affected. See our Service Alerts for more details. 

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Upcoming Events: Kislak Center

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Jan 15
  • Lecture
Open to the Public

Common Sense at 250: A Panel Discussion

Penn Professors Emma Hart, Sophia Rosenfeld, and Duncan Watts address the power and impact of Thomas Paine's revolutionary pamphlet, 250 years after its publication.

  • January 15, 2026
  • 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Hybrid: Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, sixth floor; and on Zoom
An image of Thomas Paine superimposed on the title page of Common Sense from 1776
Jan 20
  • Workshop
Open to the Public

Reimagining Illumination: Light in Artist's Books

On Tuesday, January 20, we'll look at the many ways that modern artists make use of light in their book creations - including transparencies, reflections, and electric light.

  • January 20, 2026
  • 2:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Kislak Center Vitale II, Rm 623, 6th Floor
photo of an artist's book, a small square with lights shining through
Jan 21
  • Workshop
Open to the Public

Manuscript Studies Interest Group: Recipes

The Manuscript Studies Interest Group (MSIG) is a regular meeting for people who want to get up close and personal with a variety of handwritten objects.

  • January 21, 2026
  • 2:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Kislak Center Vitale II, Rm 623, 6th Floor
Illustration from a manuscript, showing a few people sitting at a table, ready for a feast
Jan 23
  • Lecture
Open to the Public

C is for Collective: The Political Work of Wanda Gág

This talk by Alicia Meyer examines children's book author Wanda Gág's work through the lens of her feminist politics.

  • January 23, 2026
  • 12:00pm - 1:00pm
  • Virtual (link will be sent to registrants)
a picture of a black and white photograph of Wanda Gag
Jan 27
  • Lecture
Open to the Public

The Messiness of Independence

Dr. Emily Sneff, a leading expert on the history of the Declaration of Independence, will share some of the stories behind the first printings of the founding document of the United States.

  • January 27, 2026
  • 5:30pm - 7:00pm
  • Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, sixth floor
Original print of the declaration of independence
Feb 12
  • Lecture
Open to the Public

The Fabrication of Borders: Tailoring and Cartography in Early Modern Europe

Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies and the Center for Italian Studies Fellow's Lecture in Italian Manuscript Studies

  • Thursday, February 12, 2026, 5:15 - 6:30 pm EST
  • 5:15pm - 6:30pm
  • Hybrid: Online and Kislak Center, Class of 1978 Orrery Pavilion, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 6th Floor
Detail of a manuscript with an illustration of two men, on right, in medieval costume gesture toward red, yellow, blue, and grey cloth. Above them is a yardstick and pair of scissors.
Feb 17
  • Workshop
Open to the Public

Reimagining Illumination: Make Your Own Illuminated Initial

On Tuesday, February 17, SIMS Curator for Digital Humanities Dot Porter and Program Coordinator of Technology and Play Christine Kemp will lead a workshop where we will make our own illuminated initials on parchment using gold leaf and paint.

  • February 17, 2026
  • 2:00pm - 4:00pm
  • Kislak Center Vitale II, Rm 623, 6th Floor
Photo of an illuminated letter A created by a student
Feb 18
  • Workshop
Open to the Public

Manuscript Studies Interest Group: Fragments

The Manuscript Studies Interest Group (MSIG) is a regular meeting for people who want to get up close and personal with a variety of handwritten objects.

  • February 18, 2026
  • 2:00pm - 3:00pm
  • Kislak Center Vitale II, Rm 623, 6th Floor
Photo of a book, which has a binding made from a manuscript leaf

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