For our next round of Coloring Cotsen, Katie selected three bookplates from our special collections, and also did a little digging for more information on the bookplate’s owners!
An Ex Libris, which means “from the books” or “from the library” in Latin, is used to indicate ownership of a book and is usually found on a bookplate, which is a decorative label adhered inside a book’s cover. A bookplate’s design is unique to its owner and displays a family coat-of-arms, reflects their hobbies or interests, or provides a special dedication. Sometimes bookplates are simply the owner’s name or signature. In any fashion or form, bookplates are a relatively simple way to add a personal touch to your library and definitively claim a book as yours.
Here are a few fun tidbits of information about the three people whose bookplates we used for Cotsen’s latest coloring sheets:
Georgina “Georgie” Evelyn Cave Gaskin was a jeweler and metalwork designer, as well as an author and illustrator. Georgie and her husband, Arthur, led the Arts and Crafts jewelry movement in Birmingham, England.
Sylvia Mary Allen was the daughter of Charles Allen, who is considered one of the leading experts on bookplates, especially old American plates and designs. He published several books on the topic.
Carrie Nelson was a humanitarian, civic leader and founder of the Columbus (Ohio) Society for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis, which is known today as The Breathing Association. Carrie’s husband, Samuel L. Black, served as Mayor of Columbus from 1897-99 and later became a judge.
It’s the party to end all parties, old sport! To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of “The Great Gatsby” this April, 
As some of you may have already guessed, the gold tinsel almost stole the entire show. Kids ran through it, swatted it, wore it as hair, and sat quietly with it tickling their faces. They also pulled it out in handfuls and threw it all over the gallery. It was a total mess after the event, and we’re still finding strands of tinsel in the library, but it was worth it!
We also offered a smaller, more focused art activity elsewhere in the gallery – coloring sheets that featured the work of British artist Louis Wain, who was popular during the Gatsby era! Wain became famous for his drawings of cats depicted with human-like appearance and behavior, and we pulled images from our special collections to share with the community.
Speaking of familiar cats, we thought it would be fun to ask library staff to submit portraits for a “Match the Librarian to Their Cat” game. Hint: staff wore their cat’s colors, and even hilariously replicated their poses and expressions.
Our Great Catsby event was also a cat food drive to benefit 
The