The Significance of the Ginkgo Leaves

A native of Asia, the ginkgo tree and its relatives dominated the Asian flora 200 million years ago. Scientists today are unlocking the memory enhancing aspects of ginkgo extracts. With ginkgoes gracing the south entrances to Alden Library, it is fitting that the ginkgo leaf, a symbol of long life and memory, also be a symbol of the Friends and of the Libraries, as they supported the preservation of the past and the formation of ideas for the future.

- by reference librarian Andrew Stuart