100 days until 100 years: 100th Anniversary of the Branner Library

Branner Earth Sciences Library & Map Collections is hosting a series of exhibits and events to honor the 100th anniversary of its founding. The namesake for the library was John Casper Branner (July 4, 1850 – March 1, 1922) a former State Geologist of Arkansas and Stanford University’s first professor and Chair of the Department of Geology. In 1913, he became Stanford’s second president and on June 14, 1915, the University made the purchase of Branner’s private geological book collection of 10,000 volumes and "an equal number of pamphlets and many maps," for $23,500 -- making it the foundation of the Branner Earth Sciences Library. The original “Branner Geological Library” was housed in faculty offices in Geocorner and was considered one of the best private collections in geology and related sciences in the country. 

To commemorate the occasion the library has ongoing exhibits featuring a selection of early cartography, textbooks, photographs, maps, companion writings and objects showcasing the items from the library collection and other Branner memorabilia. You can see these items on display in the Branner Library exhibit case on the 2nd floor of the Mitchell Earth Sciences Building through the end of June.

In addition, the library will be hosting a series of events celebrating the occassion.

The culminating event in the commemoration of the 100th anniversary is public event  with speakers, food, and a tour of the library 

100th Anniversary of the Branner Earth Sciences Library Celebration and Tour
Thursday, June 11, 2014
Branner Earth Sciences Library & Mitchell Earth Sciences Building
4-6:30 pm

Speakers will include:

Pamela Matson, Dean of the School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences
Michael Keller, Stanford University Librarian
Julie Sweetkind-Singer, Branner Earth Sciences Head Librarian

Please join us.