Event—Public Programming

DIY Pop-Up Books

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Flaps, dials, and all things pop-ups are the focus of this interactive maker event.

Die Frau, Bas!: humoristisches Album mit über 4000 verwandlungen, c. 1900. Lothar Meggendorfer. Call number: Wing folio ZP 947 .M44

This program will be held in-person at the Newberry.

The magic of movable books is in the transformation of the page through flaps, dials, and images that—quite literally—spring to life. In this interactive maker event, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of this literary art and have a chance to construct your own pop-up creations.

This program is being held in conjunction with the Newberry exhibition Pop-Up Books through the Agesgenerously supported by The National Endowment for the Arts, the Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, Professor James H. Marrow and Dr. Emily Rose, Alan Templeton, Diane and Richard Weinberg, and The Movable Book Society.

Speakers

Suzanne Karr Schmidt is the Newberry’s George Amos Poole III Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts and curator of the exhibition, Pop-Up Books through the Ages.

Hannah Batsel is a book artist, writer, and illustrator based in Chicago. Her handmade artist book work, in addition to her picture book, A is for Another Rabbit, can be found in library and museum collections around the country.

Shawn Sheehy is a Chicago-based paper engineer, book artist, and workshop instructor.

Cost and Registration

This program is free and open to all. Advance registration required.

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Past Public Programs

Check out video recordings of past Newberry public programs on our YouTube channel.

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Event—Exhibition

Pop-Up Books through the Ages

Mar 21–Jul 15, 2023

Pop-up books have a longer history than you might think. For centuries, books with interactive flaps, dials, and other moving parts have captivated readers of all ages. 

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