MTSU’s Walker Library exhibit spotlights joy of play through printed materials [+VIDEO]

A modern version of the ancient Egyptian game “Senet” is an example of the printed paper toys and games that are part of the “Playful Paper” exhibit on display until early December at James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Nancy DeGennaro)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — From ancient Egyptian-style board games to 20th-century pop-up books and paper dolls, the joy of play takes center stage this fall in Special Collections at James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University.

“Playful Paper,” on display through Dec. 12, highlights the colorful world of paper-based toys, games and books housed in the Special Collections — artifacts that are as entertaining as they are instructive. Many are vintage, while other items are replicas of antiques.

“The idea of game playing goes back almost as far as human history,” said Susan Hanson, Special Collections curator. “It’s something deeply embedded across all cultures and periods. We wanted to look at the role games play for us, both historically and in the present. We focus on print and do not yet have a substantive digital component for any of our collections. So the exhibit is about the objects we have and their historical context.”

From board games to pop-up books, puzzles and paper dolls, the joy of play takes center stage this fall in a Special Collections exhibit on display until early December at James E. Walker Library at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Nancy DeGennaro)

The impetus for this fall’s exhibit came from a professor teaching game theory and design in one of his courses.

“That really sparked us to go looking in our collections to see what we had to serve the needs of the class. As it turns out, we discovered more than we expected in our collections of printed items,” Hanson said. “This exhibit is a way to showcase one of our collections and give it a theme that’s entertaining but also instructive, because again, it takes us back to the fundamental importance of printing.”

Printing important beyond books

Paper making and printing are a powerful combination of technologies that accelerated the spread of knowledge, democratized education and transformed communication, Hanson said. Like books and newspapers, games and toys worked well in paper form, and those printed products could be manufactured in mass quantities at a cost-effective price point.

“This exhibit takes us back to the fundamental importance of printing and how print, in combination with paper, is so important in our lives in so many different ways,” Hanson explained.

The exhibit showcases treasures from the Dimensional and Artists’ Books Collection, with some artifacts dating back to the early 19th century.

Visitors will find unique items such as a version of the ancient Egyptian game “Senet,” a vintage “Monopoly” set, a functional pinhole camera in pop-up book form, and a Victorian-era post office board game that has tiny “stamps” and greeting cards.

Once sold as playhouse souvenirs in the 18th and 19th centuries, toy theaters are also on display with 20th-century activity books featuring cutouts and interactive elements. A colorful fishing game book invites readers to “catch” paper fish with a toy rod and hook.

Something for everyone

James E. Walker Library Special Collections exhibit, “Playful Paper,” features printed paper toys like this post office game that includes tiny stamps (see inset) and greeting cards. Other items on display include sets in pop-up book form, like “Dracula.” (MTSU photo by Nancy DeGennaro)

Hanson admits it’s hard to choose a favorite, but she is especially drawn to the vibrant graphics of the 19th-century games. One standout is “The Parlor Race,” a card game that mixes Charles Dickens’ characters with the thrill of horse racing — a pairing that reflects how deeply the sport permeated Victorian entertainment and literature.

There’s also a “Little Fanny” book, part of a series that included paper doll figures and a cautionary moral tale.

“‘Little Fanny’ reflects a time when toys weren’t just for frivolous, light-hearted play, but they were more often than not meant to be instructive,” Hanson said.

Although younger generations may be more likely to be familiar with digital versions — Hanson said tabletop games are still played.

“From my very unscientific observations, it seems to me physical games are still very popular among all age groups. There is a tabletop board game club at MTSU that periodically meets at the library,” Hanson said.

Special Collections: If you go

If you’re interested in learning more about some of these old-school games, visit Special Collections on the fourth floor of Walker Library, 1611 Alumni Drive. Each semester, the department creates a new exhibition. Hours are open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Off-campus visitors viewing the exhibit should obtain a special one-day permit from MTSU’s Office of Parking and Transportation at www.mtsu.edu/parking/. For a campus parking map, visit https://bit.ly/ParkingMapMTSU2025.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)\