May 2026
The Biblio File
Tips from the Library for Bowdoin faculty, students, and staff.
Secrets of the Library
Even the Library staff still finds hidden treasures among the many volumes across H-L and the branch libraries. What happens to rediscovered books when they need repairs and recataloging? Follow these oversized government documents from the bindery to the Annex.
Honors Projects Reminder
Online submissions due Thursday, May 14 at Noon
Give yourself plenty of time, confer with your advisor, and read the guide.
If you have questions, contact Karen Jung.
New Collection & Exhibit
Wikhikonol
From Beyond the Claims: Stories from the Land and the Heart
In their latest truth-telling initiative, Wabanaki REACH gathered stories of people with diverse experiences and perspectives, including Wabanaki elders, Tribal Chiefs, legislators, lawyers, poets, and culture keepers, impacted by the Maine Indian land claims and Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act. These personal oral histories go Beyond the Claims to get at the heart of the land and its people.
Access the stories now on Bowdoin Digital Collections.
On view now, wikhikonol visually grounds Beyond the Claims in a sense place through the photography of Maya Attean and Nolan Altvater. Visit the exhibit on the lower level of H-L to explore the photographs and listen to excerpts of Beyond the Claims stories.
On view through Summer 2026
New & Featured
Mapuche Poetry Collection
The largest indigenous group of Chile and Argentina, the Mapuche are represented in a new Library collection of several volumes of poetry in Mapudungun, Spanish, and English.
The collection was built in partnership with Assistant Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures Edie Adams, who teaches HISP 3260/LACL 3260, Mapuche Poetics of Translation. Her trilingual translation of " Guerilla Blooms" by Mapuche poet Daniela Catrileo was longlisted for the 2025 National Translation Award in Poetry and is available in the Faculty Display.
Current Access to The New Yorker
German Language Films
Borrow any of these films, pair it with a DVD or BluRay drive from Media Commons, and plug into your laptop for easy viewing at home.
On display in Media Commons, curated by Chloe Sheahan '26.
Upcoming Events
Audubon Page-Turning
Nat Wheelwright, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Natural Sciences, Biology, Emeritus, is the guest speaker for the first page-turning of the second volume.
Friday, May 1, 12:30-1 PM
Special Collections Reading Room, H-L 3rd floor
Printed Book Pop-Up Exhibit
Drop in and explore artist's books made by current Bowdoin students paired with book arts from Special Collections & Archives. Come with clean hands to engage and handle these interactive works of art.
Tuesday, May 5, 1:30-3:30 PM
Special Collections Learning Lab, H-L 3rd floor
Original Filters
Creating Narratives in New Media Pop-Up Exhibit
Students in ARTH 2115/DCS 2610: New Media from the 19th Century to Now explore how media constructs the world it claims to show.
Featuring objects from Bowdoin's Special Collections & Archives -- including Civil War tintypes, chromolithographic pop-up books, illustrated newspapers, and cartes de visite albums -- the exhibition asks: who shapes the world, and what gets left out? Come see the filters behind the image!
Wednesday, May 6, 3-4:15 PM
Special Collections Learning Lab, H-L 3rd floor
Therapy Dogs at H-L
The Alliance of Therapy Dogs will have some snuggly puppers outside to give you a boost before reading period and finals.
Wednesday, May 6, 4-5 PM
Outdoor plaza of H-L Library
Cave Day
Find writing support, research librarians, and academic coaching available from the BCLT and the Library.
Thursday, May 7, 10 AM-4 PM
H-L 1st floor
Quiet Communal Reading Hour
Bring your own book or choose one from the cart and enjoy quiet companionship and snacks. No sign up necessary.
Thursday, May 7, 7-8 PM
Fishbowl, H-L Lower Level
Off-Campus Access
Wherever you're headed this summer, our services and collections are available.
Request chapters and articles and have them sent straight to your inbox.
Schedule an appointment on Zoom with any Research Librarian.
Access doesn't end when you graduate! JSTOR access is granted for 365 days at a time and can be renewed indefinitely.
Have a Wonderful Summer!
We'll see you again in the fall.