Found book jacket nets $1K for Hassenfeld Library
What happens when our love of the old collides with finding a hidden treasure?
By Mary Buxton, Library Director
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Librarians love old things, think first editions, handwritten manuscripts, historical newspapers. We also love discovering hidden treasures on our library shelves. And we love digging nonstop until uncovering the perfect article hiding in the archives at Oxford that requires special permission to access from Edgehill Avenue. Now imagine if our love of old things collided with finding a hidden treasure. Magic.
For over 15 years, a set of filing cabinets has lived in the Hassenfeld Library workroom providing not only storage space for an eclectic collection of files, artifacts, and yearbooks but also a cloak of secrecy for the contents of several, long keyless, locked drawers. At long last, curiosity prevailed and locks were drilled. Hidden treasures? You bet.
Awaiting discovery were the remnants of a meticulously maintained vertical file that once had provided answers to student research inquiries in Payne Library. Long before we had 24/7 access to a world of information, vertical files contained magazine articles, maps, travel guides, menus, pamphlets, and myriad other resources. In our now unlocked drawer, one special file invoked a silent gasp and outburst of thanks to the foresight of our predecessors. Within this well-stocked file were countless picture book jackets, separated from their book and preserved for any number of reasons including displays, instruction, and preservation.
Calling upon the expertise of USN parents Judith and Richard Feaster, experts in identifying and selling books of extraordinary historic or monetary value, we discovered many beloved jackets including Space Cat jackets and covers from the Marjorie Flack books from the early 1930s to 1940s. The covers were pristine, the colors amazing. Over the past year, the Feasters have conducted extensive research on USN's behalf, seeking books of the proper edition and condition to reunite with covers; offering those of value for sale; and preserving them in archival boxes.
So it was with great excitement to learn that they had identified one jacket of special value; the jacket to the first edition of Madeleine L’Engle’s first book, "A Wrinkle in Time," written in 1962. Interestingly, the jacket was designed by Ellen Raskin, author of "The Westing Game." Over this past Winter Break, the book jacket sold for over $1,000. What an unexpected gift from the past, graciously added to the Fall Book Frenzy proceeds.
Do we believe in magic? Absolutely.
More USN News
List of 3 news stories.
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Remembering Cassandra Teague Walker '67
Peabody Demonstration School's first African-American graduate passed away September 3, 2025. Cassandra Teague Walker '67 returned to her alma mater many times to share her experiences with young students and is featured on the 21st Avenue garage mural.Read More -
5 USN students named National Merit Semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Program honors seniors whose PSAT scores show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to seniors Darcy Dove, Finch Fleming, Evan Giles, Ismaeel Moskinzada, and Lin Zheng for this honor.Read More -
Fall Book Frenzy returns to benefit Hassenfeld Library
Thank you to the many families, faculty, and staff who have donated their pre-loved books, games, and puzzles for resale. USNA continues to accept donations. Fall Book Frenzy takes place Thursday, September 25 through Saturday, September 27 in Cheek Gym. This annual used book sale benefits the Hassenfeld Library.Read More
Contact
Edgehill Campus
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
2000 Edgehill Ave.
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-321-8000
Fax: 615-321-0889
Email: info@usn.org
River Campus
1200 County Hospital Road
Nashville, TN 37218
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.