University Star

Romance fills the air among historical and fictional love stories in The Wittliff Collections located in the Alkek Library.

Michele Miller, media relations and publications specialist, said couples frequently walk in to see the new photography exhibits.

“We are a quiet, contemplative space with some beautiful lighting,” Miller said. “It’s just a place for people to come and be close together among some really amazing pieces of art.”

Miller said visitors looking for romance usually come Saturday evenings, when a majority of the authors speak, and other events occur. The events start approximately 7 p.m. and provide some form of light food, giving patrons a place to start a date, Miller said.

David Coleman, director of the Wittliff Collections, said those events usually bring up big life issues and create a space for conversation and romance.

“Often there is a lot of vulnerability in a writer reading his or her own work, and often the writings themselves are vulnerable,” Coleman said. “That vulnerability that is often contained in the stories that you hear, there is also something really romantic about that.”

The Wittliff Collections not only create a romantic, get-away atmosphere, but hold romantic pieces of history, Miller said. The archives contain some of the letters between Ann Richards, a former governor of Texas, and Bud Shrake, one of the authors in the Wittliff Collections.

“In the letters there is a governor’s proclamation by (Richards) noting (Shrake) could be buried in the Texas State Cemetery,” Miller said. “And there is a little note in there saying ‘Your wish is my command.’”

A piece of history known as a treasured love story is the Lonesome Dove collection, Miller said. Coleman said visitors hear the soundtrack play as they view western and romantic props from the series under the supervision of a guide.

Coleman said Wittliff would help set the atmosphere for a unique experience, such as a special engagement.

 “We would all get a kick out of it,” Coleman said. “So, we would be game for a proposal of sorts. We are trying to give a special experience. When you think of this place, we want you (to be) inspired. And romance and inspiration go hand in hand.”