The majority of the fifth floor of the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center is currently closed for construction. Learn more about this renovation to the Zilberman Family Center for Global Collections, including how to request materials.

  • Workshop

Monthly Manuscript Pop-Up: Rolls and Scrolls

Some text work as bound books, but some do better as rolls or scrolls (what's the difference? Come and find out!). For the Monthly Manuscript Pop-Up on December 3, we'll look at a variety of rolls and scrolls from across time and around the world. See you there as we celebrate the end of the semester in the best way. With manuscripts!

calendar_month
December 3, 2026, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
location_on
Kislak Center Vitale II, Rm 623, 6th Floor
group
Open to the Public

Hosted by: SIMS and Kislak Center

Photo of a room with a long roll displayed on a table. People stand around.

Drop by to learn about manuscripts! The door is open for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with a variety of handwritten objects. Wash your hands and come on in!

An open manuscript We explore and celebrate the diversity of manuscript traditions from across time periods and geographical areas – Penn’s collections are especially strong with materials from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, but we have plenty from Western Europe as well. We welcome everyone—undergraduate, graduate students, staff and faculty alike—to contribute their insights, share their work, and share the joy of manuscripts. Together, we strive to make the study of manuscripts a joyful and inspiring experience.

Some text work as bound books, but some do better as rolls or scrolls (what's the difference? Come and find out!). On December 3, we'll look at a variety of rolls and scrolls from across time and around the world. See you there as we celebrate the end of the semester in the best way. With manuscripts!

Registration is not required. Drop in any time between 2pm and 3:45pm!

Maps and More

Campus Libraries Map

Staff Information

Resources for Staff Committees