By Katie Auman
It’s a story that will make you laugh! It certainly made all of us at the Library District smile. Recently, Poudre Libraries received an unexpected package in the mail.
It contained an old Fort Collins Public Library book that was nearly 40 years overdue! The long lost book? “Working with Stained Glass” by Jean Jacques Duval, written in 1972 and last checked out in October, 1978. The book was borrowed only six times since it had been added to the collection. We know this because the original checkout card was still in its sleeve in the back of the book.
The package also came with a letter to the Library, apologizing and urging us to put the book back on the shelf for the next person to borrow.
At the current rate of $0.10 per day, an overdue book like this would have cost the borrower $1,460! But the Library isn’t cashing in. The 46-year-old book will not go back onto library shelves however, it’s excellent to have it back in its home. It reads,
“Ft. Collins Library: Some time ago, I checked out this book, as I was interested in learning stained glass techniques. Regretfully, I failed to return it. I have sent along a late fee, with my apologies, and some pictures of my work, so I learned something from the book. I urge you to return it to your shelves, as nothing has happened in the last 45 years that has changed how stained glass is made. Actually, nothing has really changed in 300 years.”
Browse photos of art he created using the techniques he learned from Duval’s book below.
Since 1978, the techniques and applications of working with stained glass may not have changed much, but the publishing industry and public libraries certainly have. Today, we have many books available – in color – about working with stained glass! And, while they may not have the Duval name attached to them (read more about Jean Jacques Duval and Duval Studios online), the books’ authors and artists are still enthusiastic about glass art.
Check out these and other stained glass books from the Library.
40 Great Stained Glass Projects by Michael Johnston
Creative Stained Glass: Modern Designs & Simple Techniques by Christine Kellman Stevenson
Great Stained Glass Projects for Beginners by Sandy Allison
Want to take a glass art class?
Take a look at these organizations and artists offering workshops for people of all skill levels. (NOTE: there may be costs associated with these classes.)
AEI Studio & Gifts offers beginner stained glass classes for adults (Windsor).
City of Fort Collins Recreator lists upcoming classes.
Fort Collins Creator Hub is an awesome Makerspace that offers stained glass classes.
Northern Colorado Stained Glass Supply offers classes for all skill levels (LaPorte).
