Captured: Peering into Evanston’s past in the Evanstoniana Room

Welcome to The Daily’s photo blog: Captured. This is a space for The Daily’s photographers to share their best work, including photos from weekend performances and events around the community. You can contact the photo editor by emailing [email protected].

In the far southwest end of the Evanston Public Library’s second floor, there’s a cozy rectangular room filled with the aroma of yellowing pages (not to mention The Real Yellow Pages).

Welcome to the Evanstoniana Room, a collection of artifacts from Evanston’s past, including books published by Evanston authors and a marble statue with a curious history.

The Daily met with Betsy Bird, EPL’s collection development manager and an author of children’s books, to get a tour of this whimsical room and learn about the artifacts held within.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Esther Lim/The Daily Northwestern

Betsy Bird examines books recently left out on the table by visitors. She said community members have approached the library with materials to contribute to the Evanstoniana room, including a zine from the ‘90s featuring interviews with graffiti artists in Evanston. “It was amazing and it was just stapled together, but it was one of the best things I've ever seen,” Bird said. “We get kind of wild stuff that you wouldn't find elsewhere.”

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Twitter: @EshLim1213

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