February 2026
O'Pine
Tips from the Library for Bowdoin faculty, students, and staff.
New Interim Director
Kat Stefko
There is a warmth to the Bowdoin Library, fueled by the enthusiasms of our remarkable staff and the shared sense of wonder, discovery and curiosity that permeates the Bowdoin community. I am deeply humbled and thankful to have this short window in which to lead it.
More from Kat
New Exhibits
A Wide Variety of Views
The Photography of Leon B. Strout
A Brunswick local, Strout (1869-1937) gained commercial success in the early twentieth century as a skilled photographer distinguished by his technical virtuosity and compelling compositions, often featuring Brunswick and the surrounding area, but also American military cemeteries in France after World War I. Thanks to a generous grant received in 2024, his work is now fully digitized and accessible for the first time.
Now on display on the 2nd floor of Hawthorne-Longfellow Library
Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here Project
Art Hazelwood's Al Mutanabbi Street, March 5, 2007. Concord, MA, USA, 2011.
After a 2007 car bombing devastated Baghdad’s historic Al-Mutanabbi Street, poet-bookseller Beau Beausoleil mobilized poets, artists, printers, and readers to create hundreds of artist’s books and broadsides that mourn the attack and affirm the resilience of ideas and free expression—exhibited worldwide and, in 2025, gifted to Bowdoin College, where a selection of artist’s books are now on view.
Now on display on the 3rd floor of Hawthorne-Longfellow Library
Also on View
Chamberlain
The Man Behind the Mustache
Curated by the students of the Bowdoin Preservation Collective, this exhibit takes a deeper look at Joshua L. Chamberlain as a scholar, soldier, and statesman.
H-L third floor
Dante's Commedia
Curated by students in Professor Alejandro Cuadrado's ITAL 3020 course, this bilingual exhibit draws on over thirty imprints of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.
H-L third floor
Go U Bears
Athletic Artifacts from the Archives
H-L first floor
Upcoming Events
February
Brock Clarke Book Launch
Professor Brock Clarke discusses his new book, "Special Election," with moderator Ann Kibbie.
Thursday, February 12th, 4:30 PM
H-L 3rd floor
Nixon Lounge
Strout Exhibit Launch
Join us for a talk with historian Libby Bischof, followed by an exhibit tour and tea with curator Katie Perry.
Friday, February 13th, 2 PM (talk), 3 PM (tour & tea)
H-L 3rd floor, Nixon Lounge (talk)
H-L 2nd floor (tour & tea)
March
Audubon Page-Turning
Nick Lund, birder and nature writer, is the guest speaker for March. His new book, "World Without Birds," releases March 3rd.
Friday, March 6th, 12:30-1 PM
H-L 3rd floor
Special Collections & Archives
By the Numbers
July 2024 - June 2025
78,217
Circulation Transactions
Patrons of the Bowdoin Library borrowed, returned, and renewed physical materials, including loans from the CBB network, MaineCat, and InterLibrary Loan.
6,202
Materials Used in Special Collections Instruction
Inside the new Learning Lab classroom on H-L third floor, students discovered rare books, artist's books, archival and manuscript documents, and other materials available to view in Special Collections & Archives.
630+
Consultations with Research Librarians
Patrons from the Bowdoin community and beyond asked research questions at H-L, the Media Commons, and the branches - Hatch Science, Pierce Art, and Gibson Music Libraries.
167,415
Unique Journal Articles Downloaded
Students, faculty, and staff also downloaded 45,258 unique e-books.
Our Library, Our Future
Construction of H-L Library, 1965.
Strategic Priorities
2025-2028
In a world of constant transformation, the Bowdoin College Library is both a sanctuary for reflection and a catalyst for discovery. Grounded in our core values of curiosity, integrity, and stewardship, we embrace our role as a vital hub for the entire Bowdoin community.
Strategic Priorities Mission & Vision Statement