Marian Library -- University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio

Destination: A research library at an Ohio university houses what it calls “the largest dedicated collection of materials on Mary in the world” — and its doors are as open as the Blessed Mother’s arms.

Founded in 1943, the Marian Library lives up to its motto of “De Maria numquam satis” (“Never enough about Mary”). Its books, periodicals, articles, prints and religious artifacts — combined with resources in an array of disciplines, including patristics, biblical studies, Church history, spirituality, hymnography and iconography — represent 100 languages and form an impressive repository that only one institution can match, said Sarah Cahalan, executive director, to OSV News. 

“It’s not a competition, but obviously the Vatican had a significant head start,” she admitted.

Photos: Top — The Marian Library includes scrapbooks containing vintage Marian holy cards and archival newspaper clippings (OSV News photos/Marian Library, University of Dayton).

Bottom — A student visits the exhibition “A Vision of Art and Faith” at the Marian Library. 

Why to go: The Marian Library is hosting the art exhibit “East Meets West,” which features selections from the library’s Ukrainian Marian Collection, which was established in 1981 by past Marian Library employee Helen (Halyna) Nkolyshyn. The exhibit runs through Nov. 10.  

For Nkolyshyn, who died in 2000, assembling the Ukrainian Marian Collection was a “passion project,” said Cahalan. “Her family had to leave Ukraine because of religious persecution, and her work has become increasingly relevant again.” Seeing Mary through fresh eyes is a goal of the Marian Library, she said.

Admission: The Marian Library welcomes all visitors, including those with no University of Dayton affiliation, and is open Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on weekends and holidays. 

Accessibility: The main entrance is wheelchair-accessible, and elevators connect all the floors. Accessible restrooms and water fountains are on each floor. Service animals are welcome.   

(Grand) Kid friendly: Of course! The library’s website provides “Fun and Games with Mary” under its “Collections” tab. These include a matching game (printable and digital options), coloring pages and digital jigsaw puzzles.

Info: Address — Marian Library, Roesch Library, University of Dayton, 300 College Park Dr., Dayton, Ohio. 

Phone — 937-229-4221

Website — https://udayton.edu/marianlibrary/index.php

—By Gina Christian, OSV News. Send Destination ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org