The University Libraries will celebrate its 4 millionth volume milestone with a series of events aimed at the campus community, friends and supporters, and the local community from March 25-28 at Cushing Memorial Library and Archives and the Sterling C.  Evans Library.  The rare volume chosen for this distinction, Don Quixote de la Mancha, parts I and II, represents the first complete edition of Miguel de Cervantes’ classic work.  Published in 1617, the two volume set is generously funded by Sara and John Lindsey ’44 of Houston.  The Lindseys have contributed to all previous millionth volumes which are housed in the Cushing Library.  

The series begins with a scholarly symposium, “Anatomy of a Classic: Don Quixote, the Book and the Myth,” on March 25 at 2:00 p.m.  Organized by Eduardo Urbina, Director of the Cervantes Project and Professor of Hispanic Studies, the event will take place in the Mayo-Thomas Room.  Featured scholars include Anthony Close of Cambridge University, Frederick de Armas of University of Chicago, and Edward H. Friedman of Vanderbilt University. The symposium is sponsored by Cushing Memorial Library, University Libraries, the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research, the Department of Hispanic Studies and the Cervantes Project.

“A Conversation with Bill Reese” on March 26 at 10 a.m. in the Evans Library, Room 204E will present an informal dialogue with William Reese, rare book dealer and owner of William Reese Company, New Haven Connecticut which he established in 1975. Reese serves a large international clientele of collectors along with private and public institutions in the acquisition of rare books and manuscripts.

The 4 Millionth Volume exhibit and program will follow on March 26 at 3 p.m.  in the Kelsey Reading Room. The celebration will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Cushing Library’s renovation and feature Reese as keynote speaker.    Dr. Lionel Garcia ’56, veterinarian and award winning writer of Mexican American fiction will provide a dramatic reading from Don Quixote.  The Century Singers will perform a medley centered on “The Impossible Dream.”   Exhibits of Don Quixote editions and other selected rare materials will be on display throughout the building.

The Friends of the Sterling C. Evans Library annual luncheon meeting will cap the week’s festivities on March 28 at 11 a.m. outside Cushing Library.  Guest speaker Eduardo Urbina will share his scholarly adventures in collecting rare editions of Don Quixote.  Exhibits and tours will take place in Cushing Library, and the meeting will take place under a tent outside Cushing’s entrance.

The campus community and the local community are invited to all events, but reservations are required for the Friends annual meeting.   For more information contact Charlene Clark at 862-4233 or email charleneclark@tamu.edu