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Cambridge University Library

 

Cambridge University Library is the central library for all Cambridge students, and one of six Legal Deposit Libraries in the UK. As a Legal Deposit Library we are entitled to receive a free copy of every book published in the United Kingdom, which today amounts to a staggering collection of nearly 9 million printed books, maps and manuscripts and 1.5 million digital books.

The iconic Library Tower - which stands at 157ft and has over 200 steps to the top - holds nearly a million books alone, including children’s books, comics, car manuals and even sewing patterns, all from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. This is your chance to create your own Tiny Tower Accordion Book to hold your favourite books and other treasures! Thanks to the Library’s Conservation & Collection Care team for creating this activity.

Suitable for ages: 6-11 years

What you need: A strip of paper approximately 30 x 7cm, scissors, glue, ruler, and colouring pencils, paint, stickers etc, to decorate, and a piece of ribbon or string.

Step-by-step instructions:

1.   Fold the strip of paper in half, then using your ruler and pencil to mark out fold lines, fold each half of the Tower paper into thirds using an accordion fold (think mountain, valley, mountain!).

2.   Cut two more pieces of paper (or spare card if you have any) a little larger than the end sections.

3.   Using your glue, paste one cover piece to each end of the paper strip. You can double up the cover pieces for extra strength if you wish! Make sure you glue the end sections on the same side of the strip; this will be the outside of your accordion book, and underneath will be your Tower.

4.     Time to fill your tower! Draw the picture of the Library Tower on the other side of the paper strip to where you glued the end sections, and fill it with drawings of your favourite books or other items using pencils, paint, or even stickers!

5.     Fold up your tower book and, if you have any to hand, pick out a piece of ribbon or string you like.

6.     Tie a piece of ribbon or string around the book, and ta-dah! You’ve made a little tower book!

Date: Wednesday, 22 July, 2020 to Monday, 31 August, 2020