IU Libraries

We'd argue that this collection of mechanical puzzles is not "hidden" at all, but the Slocum Collection is worth stopping by The Lilly Library, Indiana University to see! If there are specific items you'd like to view, you'll want to make a Reading Room appointment ahead of time.

You can also stop by on Friday afternoons for a guided tour of the collection with puzzle curator Andrew Rhoda (free, of course)! https://events.iu.edu/libraries/event/2153567-weekly-lilly-library-puzzle-tour

What looks like a library quickly becomes a giant hands-on challenge space in Indiana.

If you're planning to attend Erika Dowell's June 13 talk, let us know you're coming at https://events.iu.edu/libraries/event/2213132-declaration-of-independence-curator-talks - thanks!

1 of 7 original copies of the Declaration of Independence is housed at Indiana University's Lilly Library and is the focus of an exhibit. See link below ⬇️

📸 Courtesy photo/Norm Crampton

Out and About with Barney | Rare Gutenberg Bible New Testament at Indiana University's Lilly Library Discover the rare Gutenberg Bible at Indiana University's Lilly Library, a historic volume that revolutionized access to books and knowledge.

We're not sure how we missed this, but the March 2026 issue of the Indiana Magazine of History featured our Theophilus Wylie diaries! In "Omne Mali Avertam O Deus: The Civil War Diary of Theophilus A. Wylie, 1861-1862," edited by Dawn E. Bakken, Justin Hawkins, and David A. Nichols, the editors explore TAW's entries during the first two years of the war, giving insight into how it impacted Bloomington and his family: https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/3/article/987435

Stay tuned for next month's issue that will continue its coverage!

Check out this work of art at the Wylie House Museum!

Our volunteer quilters have begun using our hand quilting rack for their latest quilt. They started this quilt July 2024! Check it out next time you’re in the education center!

Distinguished visitors recently welcomed by The Archives of Traditional Music!

Earlier this week the ATM had a surprise visit from Ruth Stone (left), IUB Professor Emerita, Ethnomusicology, and former ATM director (1988-95; 2000-1), and Louise Spear (right), former ATM associate director, who left Bloomington in 1985 to become director of the UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive in Los Angeles. Both of our guests seemed to enjoy getting the chance to meet with Heather Sloan (center), Outreach and Public Services Archivist/Assistant Librarian, and other members of the ATM staff to learn more about what changes had been made to the Archives since its move in 2023-24 from Morrison Hall to the second floor of the William and Gayle Cook Music Library (located within the Simon Music Library & Recital Center building on the IUB campus at the corner of E. 3rd Street and S. Eagleson Avenue.) ATM staff are so grateful to have had the opportunity to become acquainted with such distinguished figures in both the ATM’s history and the field of ethnomusicology—very cool! 😎

All libraries on campus will be closed on Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.

It may not look like it on this cool and rainy day, but summer is here! The Wells Library will be open normal hours Saturday and Sunday but we will be CLOSED on Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday. We'll reopen Tuesday.

Other libraries on campus will also be closed on Monday. For weekend hours, check our website (link in comments).

We are pretty excited about this acquisition by The Lilly Library, Indiana University! See also our original announcement from April: https://libraries.indiana.edu/davidben

Indiana University’s Lilly Library will bring a massive collection of magic and illusion to Bloomington. Magic performer and writer David Ben sold his collection of thousands of artifacts, books and ephemera dating to the 19th Century to the library.

Read more: https://www.ipm.org/news/2026-05-14/new-collection-transforms-lilly-library-into-hub-for-research-on-magic