Prize-winning books on display

By Hilary Strickland, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 21, 1998

For the past 12 years, Cal State Long Beach's University Library has played host to a unique book exhibit. This year is no exception.

The Western Books Exhibition, sponsored by The Rounce and Coffin Club, showcases 30 prize-winning books noted for outstanding printing in the Western United States. The books chosen represent the best in binding, composition, craftsmanship, design and printing.

"The Rounce and Coffin Club is a very prestigious book club," Irene Still Meyer, library special collections supervisor, said. "The Western Books Exhibition is noteworthy because of its diversity." Traditional books are shown in contrast with a number of experimental designs, including oversized and miniature books, unique bindings and handmade papers.

The first show was held in 1938. The exhibit has been shown in dozens of university libraries throughout the Western United States.

The exhibit will be on display from Oct. 14 to Nov. 4 in Special Collections on the fifth floor of the Library.