Valentine’s Day has become a festival close to the commercial hearts of chocolate manufacturers, greeting card makers and flower sellers. Despite the commercialism, however, it still retains a place in the human hearts of lovers.
In this amorous spirit, Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) is sending a valentine in the form of an exhibition – entitled Love! In the Library? – that examines how lovers speak to each other through literature. The show explores how love is expressed through poetry, erotic books and illustrations. And for the jaded at heart, we highlight some hazards of love. Samples include the Old Testament’s Song of Solomon, Leonard Cohen’s poetry, and erotica from B.C. publisher Arsenal Pulp Press.
Come explore Love! In the Library?, February 1 to 19 at UBC Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections, located on level one of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. The show is located at the back of the Chung Collection Room.