Library Showcases Globe

By the entrance of the Kaplanoff Room in the Class of 1945 Library, an old globe encased in a glass box sits on a mahogany stand, a timeless addition to the countless valuable historical sources of the library.According to the Academy’s online wordpress, the object, entitled the Cary Terrestrial Globe, dates back to 1815 and depicts the travels of maritime explorers such as Captain Vancouver and M. De La Perouse. The Academy Library first received the globe as a gift from the family of Dr. H. Sheridan Baketel, class of 1891, over half a century ago. It holds a memorable spot in the library and with the latest restoration, will continue to educate students on early nautical exploration for years to come.Reference and outreach librarian Beth Rohloff explained that the globe was a valuable addition to the library’s collection of primary sources, outlining the benefits of the renovation to Exonians.“The Cary Globe is a fine contribution to the Class of 1945 Library’s larger travel and exploration special collection. The Globe marks the discoveries of eighteenth century explorers such as Captain James Cook,” Rohloff said.“Students can view this primary source to get a sense of how people learned about the world during that time,” she continued.The importance of the globe’s history warranted the funds granted for its display in 2012.The globe’s conservation was meticulously completed by a professional by hand, according to the Academy’s online entry. The renovation replicated any damaged information affected by time. In addition, a special exhibit case was tailored to the globe’s dimensions in order to protect against damage and facilitate viewing.Within the case, the globe sports a magnetic compass, as well as wooden arms to support the sphere and an actual metallic ring representing the meridian line. A variety of methods were utilized to clean and repair the engraved Cary rose, among the many unique qualities of the globe.The globe represents many of the quirky objects scattered around the famous Exeter library. As the largest secondary school library in the country, designed by renowned architect Louis I. Kahn, the Class of 1945 Library has over 500,000 volumes of periodicals, magazines, secondary sources and primary sources, of which the globe is yet another valuable addition.“Many students use the library as a place to focus and do schoolwork or as the location of their campus job,” lower Eric Regis, a library proctor who frequently visits throughout the week, said. “It is one of my favorite buildings in the Academy. I know all nine floors and the books they hold by heart.” Although he is an involved proctor and regular visitor, even Regis was unaware of the globe and its restoration.Regis said he felt that many students were unaware of the treasures the library held. “The main problem with the library is lack of publicity. A lot of students are not aware of the resources available to them. I didn't know about the Globe but I’ll have to check it out,” he said.The Cary Globe is not the only impressive artifact that the Academy boasts. Among the prized collection is the once smallest book in the world, the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, praised for both its content and miniature size. The Academy’s librarians seek to help students uncover the many interesting things the library has to offer. Another example is the original edition of the Second Folio of Shakespeare’s plays, published around sixteen years after the playwright’s death, in 1632. These rare and unique objects decorate the Library and patiently await inspection from students.Librarians encouraged students to come and visit the Library and discover its vast collections. The resources are relevant to knowledge and education and can be utilized in a variety of ways.Many students are unaware of the abundance of literature and materials at their disposal within the library, the Cary Globe being only one example.