Fourth Grade Visits Special Collections Library at UVA

Fourth grade recently took a field trip to the UVA Special Collections Library where they had the opportunity to touch manuscripts over 500 years old. For students used to mass market paperbacks, handling vellum (made of calf skin) and gazing at books whose artistry and rarity make them worth more than $100,000 was like an entry into a different world. “It was an awesome experience as a class to see Bibles written and illuminated by the hands of monks,” says teacher Rebe McReynolds. “We also learned about the different materials used throughout time to write down the stories of history. What a way to study and grow our interest in the Middle Ages!”