The Library Inscriptions

Nine inscriptions decorate the University Library in Kingston. They were carved by John Benson from 1992-1995 as part of a program to provide art for public facilities.

These pages are an adaptation of A Guide to the Nine Pieces (1997) by Associate Professor Emeritus Kenneth T. Morse of the Library. The Guide was based on a manuscript by John Benson and published sources.

University of Rhode Island Library Plaza

NIPPENOWANTAWEM NIPPENOWANTAWEM MEQUAUNAMIINNEA MEQUAUNAMIINNEA

Front of the Library Building

ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE... AND TYRANNY AND OPPRESSIONS OF BODY AND MIND WILL VANISH LIKE EVIL SPIRITS AT THE DAWN OF DAY

MY ALMA MATER WAS BOOKS A GOOD LIBRARY... I COULD SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE READING JUST SATISFYING MY CURIOUSITY

Outer Lobby Inscriptions

Y U C H S    I A T R E I O N

PERO CHE TU TRASCORRI PER LE TENEBRE TROPPO DA LA LUNGI AVVIEN CHE POI NEL MAGINARE ABBORRI

Our lives flower and pass. Only robust works of the imagination live in eternity...

Interior Inscriptions

Schweigen und Denken Wird keinen kränken...

Come, and take choice of all my library And so beguile thy sorrow...

GRAMMATA • SOLA • CARENT • FATO