The Rice Library has been keeping secrets from its students.

Between the bookshelves are hidden treasure and gems.

Well, not literally, but the Rice Library does offer some of the best-kept secrets in books.

“The Phrase Finder” is an especially fun find providing a “dictionary of names”, ”sophisticated synonyms”, and a “metaphor finder”.

The book was first published and written in the 1950s so these ‘sophisticated synonyms’ now resemble dated, humorous, cheesy and occasionally classy new ways to speak.

An example taken from the category of swearing has a section of synonyms for name-calling.  Some insults they provided were: good-for-nothing child of a not-too-scrupulous parent and bloated toad.

Probably the most useful section of the book is found in the dictionary of names, where famous and influential people’s names throughout history are listed with a brief description of who they are and their significance.

If a student is curious about his or her last name and its origins, the “Dictionary of Surnames” by Hanks and Hodges is a great place to start research.

The dictionary lists common last names in alphabetical order listing where that name is from and a description of the last name.

Here is an example entry: Hedge  – an English typographical name for someone who lived by a hedge.

Perhaps one of the best-hidden secrets of the Rice Library is “The Book of Firsts: the Fascinating Stories Behind the Worlds Greatest Achievements, Discoveries and Breakthroughs”.

The book’s title is self-explanatory of its contents, though what is most interesting is how the book is designed.

Each page of the book is full of photographs, charts and graphs.

Some topics that the book takes a look at include: human endeavor, lifestyle and leisure, arts and entertainment and medical achievements.

The book documents the first toothpaste sold, the invention of motorcycles and the use of a dentist’s chair.

This is a great find for an informational and entertaining read.

The end of the year is approaching, and all the stresses and late-night study sessions that accompany it will be here soon.

For a needed study break take a walk down the aisles of the Rice Library and find some unique books.