Books / Central Library
Exhibition of items found in library books
A Bristol librarian has spent a decade collecting items found in library books.
Jess Rotas’ eclectic collection of memorabilia now forms part of a new exhibition at Central Library called ‘Lost and Found in a Book’.
Items in display cases on both the ground floor and first floor include handwritten notes and bank notes, postcards and playing cards, pressed flowers, doodles, and of course bookmarks – lots and lots of bookmarks
Just a few of the bookmarks in the Lost and Found in a Book exhibition at Central Library
Jess said: “Portals to other worlds, gateways to knowledge and learning and all the other wonderful things that library books offer aside, sometimes there is the additional treasure of items previous readers have left behind.
“Here is a sample of things I’ve found in books – and colleagues have passed my way – in a decade of working in libraries.”
Handwritten notes on display
Assorted cards and drawings from a decade of collecting
Jess has also listed some items found but not on display including newborn baby photos, parking: tickets, a five-metre swimming badge and even a death certificate.
Many items have been reunited with their owners and all are treated in accordance with GDPR.
If you recognise and would like to be reunited with your item, or would like to comment, or share a lost or found in a book story, please email [email protected]
The Lost and Found in a Book exhibition is currently on display at Central Library
All photos: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Plans to relocate Central Library scrapped after public outcry
- Bristol’s bookshop bonanza
- Newspapers to no longer be provided in Bristol libraries
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