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We can't wait to help make 2026, your year!

The exterior of Smathers Library

FEATURED LIBRARY EVENT

FEATURED LIBRARY EVENTS

Upcoming Events

  1. Mar 26

  2. Mar 31

  3. Apr 17

  4. May 19

  5. Jun 10

 

FEATURED eXHIBIT

Smathers Library Gallery (2nd floor), through May 8th

Animating Hope: Izaak and Bertie Cohen's Puppet Theater

During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Izaak (Ike) and Bertha (Bertie) Cohen hid in Rotterdam. Concealed in the upstairs apartment of Nico Dane and Gien Dane-Verkouter, the couple was often forced to hide in a narrow closet behind a staircase. In this confined space and under these dangerous conditions, the Cohens created a puppet theater. Ike carved the wooden hand puppets while Bertie sewed costumes and painted the figures’ faces. Inspired by classic fairy tales, they used the puppets to stage clandestine performances for local children. Their identities remained a secret, and their presence obscured. These performances transformed an environment of fear into one of hope. All exhibits are free and open to the public during the same hours as the building in which they are housed, unless otherwise specified and with occasional exceptions for maintenance.

Illustration of a puppet show with a silhouetted puppet and blue curtains.

News and Highlights

Three-Time Pulitzer Prize Winner to Speak at Annual Michael Gannon Lecture

The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida will welcome best-selling author, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, and former Washington Post journalist Mr. Rick Atkinson as the 2026 Michael…

Libraries’ Employees Honored with Superior Accomplishment Awards

The Libraries were well represented at the 2026 University of Florida Superior Accomplishment Awards. The Superior Accomplishment Award program recognizes faculty and staff members who contribute outstanding and meritorious service,…

Associate Dean Accepts Role as Dean of University Libraries at FIU

Benjamin Walker has been named Dean of University Libraries at FIU, effective May 11, 2026. “I am really proud of the work I have been a part of at UF.…

University Archivist Provides Walking Tour of Historic UF Campus

University Archivist, Sarah Coates, walks through historic UF campus, highlighting architectural features and providing fun facts about the Gator Nation.