Current Exhibit
Juggling for Mary
Vocation, Gifts and Performing for Our Lady
Nov. 7, 2022 through Jan. 27, 2023
The Marian Library is pleased to welcome all to this all-new, family-friendly exhibit. Visitors will experience the story of the Juggler as it has been adapted through the centuries in books, operas, ballets and animated films. Live performances, a reading nook and a story walk highlight the interactive components of the exhibit. Visitors can also browse artifacts from the Marian Library including a selection of Nativity sets.
This exhibit draws on the research of Jan Ziolkowski and utilizes some materials from the 2018/2019 exhibit “Juggling the Middle Ages” at the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection in Washington, DC.
2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023
Sears Recital Hall, University of Dayton
This original composition commissioned by the Marian Library and based on the Juggler story, will have its premier performance at 2 p.m. on January 21, 2023 in Sears Recital Hall at the University of Dayton. Composed by Scott Gendel and featuring UD faculty Andrea Chenoweth Wells (soprano), John Benjamin (piano) and Jerome Yorke, Jr. (as the beloved clown), this new piece will be contextualized with discussion and demonstrations of previous musical renditions. This event is free and unticketed. No parking permit required.
First floor of Roesch Library
This family-friendly space is home to live performances by jugglers, dancers and musicians; interactive experiences such as trying your hand at juggling; and a photo op area. A story nook filled with children’s books is also available and will be the location for read-aloud story times.
Also located on the first floor is a one-of-a-kind stained-glass window depicting the Juggler with Mary, as well as a display of original Tomie dePaola manuscripts and illustrations on loan from the University of Minnesota libraries.
Seventh floor of Roesch Library
Filled with books and artifacts from the Marian Library's collections, this space provides an informative lens to the medieval story of the Juggler.
Seventh floor of Roesch Library
Here you will find a selection from the ever-popular Marian Library Crèche Collection. The Nativity sets on display illuminate a variety of gifts brought to the manger and complement the Christmas story of the Juggler.
Step outdoors for a story walk created by University of Dayton teacher education students, who used exhibit items and material to tell the story of the Juggler throughout campus.
Plan Your Visit
All areas of the exhibit are self-guided and open to the public during the following times.
- 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from Nov. 7, 2022 to Jan. 27, 2023
- 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12–13
- 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19–20
- 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3–4
- 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10–11
(Closed Nov. 10; Nov. 17; Nov. 24–25; Dec. 1; Dec. 8; Dec. 15; Dec. 22–Jan. 2; Jan. 5; Jan. 12; Jan. 16; Jan. 19; Jan. 26)
If you are visiting on a weekday, a parking pass is required. For a free parking pass, drive through the main campus entrance on Stewart Street just east of Brown Street and follow the signs to visitor parking. Stop at the visitor center, and an attendant will issue a parking pass. The closest entrance to P Lot is the ground floor (Learning Teaching Center) entrance. B Lot is closest to the main entrance of Roesch Library.
One Day, One Dayton gifts support student experiential learning in conjunction with the Marian Library's new Christmas exhibit – which correspondingly celebrates vocation and gifts.
Read more
Catholic theologian Vincent Miller explores the history of "fools," a class of courtly entertainers, political needlers and traveling monastics on which the Juggler figure is based.
Read more