On Saturday, October 25, Senator Bill Nelson spoke with guests about George A. Smathers’ legacy at the University of Florida and beyond as a part of the Smathers Centennial celebration. Senator Nelson walked guests through his relationship with the Smathers’ family and revealed behind-the-scenes details of American political history in then 1960s and beyond. A natural storyteller, he provided words of wisdom for the next generation of leaders.
Following Senator Nelson’s talk, guests were invited to enjoy all three floors of the Smathers Library’s public spaces with a special open house event. Visitors enjoyed the Map & Imagery Library and Panama Canal Gallery on the first floor, the Grand Reading Room filled with special collections’ curators and the elegant Judaica Suite on the second and the Latin America and Caribbean Collection space on floor three. Throughout the library, participants enjoyed small bites and one-on-one time with the Libraries’ dedicated curators.
supporting the libraries
Smathers Centennial Endowment
Celebrate 100 years of Libraries by supporting the care and utilization of special and area studies collections.