The Associates of the James Ford Bell Library is an independent, all-volunteer charity that supports and promotes the programs, collections, and public outreach of the James Ford Bell Library at the University of Minnesota.
We help to sponsor exhibits, lectures, publications, fellowships, and public outreach programs. We help to build collaborations throughout the community. We offer events and activities only available to members, and we provide support for public events.
The Library’s collections, focused on trade and cross-cultural interaction before ca. 1800, are recognized around the world as unique and important intellectual resources. The collections include rare books, maps and manuscripts that illuminate the history of global exploration and trade – a contemporary and relevant focus both culturally and economically.
The Associates are on a quest to find, welcome, and engage new members in support of the James Ford Bell Library.
We invite you to join us as we launch our first major membership campaign and prepare to celebrate fifty years of service to this remarkable international resource.
Please sign up to receive updates and special invitations at the link to the right.
Click “Donate Now” to join.
CURRENT JAMES FORD BELL LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
2013 EVENTS
May 30, 2013 - Patron Lunch
The Patron Lunch is an annual lunch gathering, “Library Legends and Lore,” for members and patrons whose annual support in 2012 provided $250 and more. Guests will have an opportunity to view the current exhibit “Art & Science in Latin America during the Enlightenment,” and to preview some special plans to celebrate the upcoming anniversaries of the James Ford Bell Library and the Associates.
June 24, 2013 - Special Meet the Artists Opportunity
The Rose Ensemble, a local early music group, will hold a special concert at St. Olaf Church in downtown Minneapolis. Following the concert, the Associates are co-sponsoring with the U of M Friends of the Libraries, a special reception for Associates members, conference attendees of the Rare Book and Manuscript Section of the American Library Association, and Friends members, where you will have an opportunity to meet the musicians. We hope you can join us! Visit http://www.roseensemble.org/ for concert details and ticket information.
October 30, 2013 - James Ford Bell Library 60th Anniversary Gala
Associates members will receive special invitations to the Bell Library’s 60th Anniversary Gala—60 years to the day of the Library’s opening and dedication. Associates members past and present will receive a special acknowledgement at this event; in addition to food and other refreshments, there will be entertainment, prizes and much, much, more!
December 5, 2013 - The Associates Celebrate 50 years!
Join us as we celebrate fifty years of the Associates of the James Ford Bell Library, and take a glimpse into the future! Please save this date for a festive event at the Minneapolis Club. Watch for more details in upcoming e-bulletins and the Fall Manifest.
ANNUAL ASSOCIATES EVENTS
- 3rd Thursday in February – Winter Seminar, benefit for members at the Navigator level and above
- Last Thursday in May – Patron Lunch, benefit for members at the Voyager level and above
- October – James Ford Bell Library Annual Lecture
- December – James Ford Bell Library Annual Holiday Party