Public Lecture | Praying with Books - Special Collections in the Spotlights
Which roles did books have in prayer in the late Middle Ages? What did the interaction with these books by readers and users look like? And how can we see this reflected in the books that were handed down?
During the public lecture ‘Praying with Books’, Middle Dutch Books of Hours and Persian poetry manuscripts will be used to demonstrate how diverse and interactive readers were in their engagement with these books within their personal and communal prayer practices.
This lecture is held in English.
Public Lecture Praying with Books - Special Collections in the Spotlights
Friday 12 June 2026 | 15:30 - 17:30
Kartini Auditorium, University Library
Participation is free, registration is required.
RegisterThe speakers are Irene Van Eldere (PhD candidate at Leiden University) and Yasmin Saghafi Ameri (PhD candidate at Leiden University). Afterwards, there will be a pop-up exhibition featuring a selection of the discussed manuscripts and book.
Friends Lectures
A new series of lectures organized by and for the Friends of Leiden University Libraries and other interested parties shines a spotlight on items from Leiden University's Special Collections. At each Friends lecture, two speakers from different disciplines discuss a shared theme, drawing on material from various sub-collections. Each lecture lasts approximately 20 minutes, with time for questions. The language of instruction is Dutch and/or English and will vary per session.
Vriends of Leiden University Libraries
The UBL has active Friends who support the library. The Friends of the UBL Foundation contributes to the acquisition of special books, and other objects and collections. The Foundation also regularly organizes tours, lectures, and other activities for its members. Would you like to become part of this group of heritage and book enthusiasts? Become our Friend!