The Poison Book Project: The Mysterious History of Victorian-Era 'Poison Books' and Their Legacy Today

Are there really old books full of arsenic and other toxic heavy metals? How common are they? How dangerous are they? Why were they made at all? Melissa Tedone, co-founder of the Poison Book Project, will share the colorful history of Victorian bookbinding and its legacy on our bookshelves today.

Dr. Tedone is an Assistant Professor in the University of Delaware Department of Art Conservation and...

The UICB will be holding a virtual information session about the program on Friday, November 6, 2026 at Noon CST. Videos and slides, faculty and students: we’ll describe the program, answer questions, and welcome anyone (from the curious to the already-committed applicant) who would like to participate.

Link to register: https://uiowa.zoom.us/meeting/register/4ANLMceiRoWWuydHzdBmTg

Come for the morning and/or the afternoon!

UI Oakdale Campus
2280 Crosspark Rd., Coralville

On Friday, Nov. 13, we will have our annual kozo harvest out at the Oakdale paper research facility! We have a field of kozo to harvest, steam, and peel. You'll learn a lot about processing bark fibers in traditional ways.

We will be harvesting in the morning, from 9:00 a.m., and will then move to the studio to steam the bark and peel the bark before hanging them in bundles on rope. We will finish up at 4:00...

Exhibits from UICB studio classes in lettering arts, papermaking, bookbinding, artist books, and letterpress printing will be on display. Food and drink will be served — all are welcome!