Books, studying and a yarmulke signed by President Barack Obama can now all be part of an excursion to Odegaard Undergraduate Library.

The library is playing host to a collection of 32 yarmulkes (Jewish head coverings) autographed by celebrities. The exhibit, entitled “Yarmulgraphs,” belongs to Jonathan Chalett and will be in the display case on the first floor of Odegaard through April 30.

“Each yarmulke is a story of persistence, chutzpah, frustration, cunning and the thrill of the chase,” Chalett said. “There are moments when you have to be pushy and aggressive.”

From the Dalai Lama to Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron, the Seattle pediatrician has collected signatures from a wide variety of celebrities. There have been struggles along the way, however, which have made the collection meaningful for Chalett.

“He had this idea, and he was determined to get each autograph no matter what,” said Lynda Ekins, the program supervisor. “He used his imagination and approached people in a very polite way that took a lot of courage.”

Chalett has had fun throughout the process of putting together his collection and hopes visitors will enjoy the exhibit.

“I think it’s funny and quirky,” Chalett said. “Different exhibits leave you with different experiences, and I hope people leave with a smile on their face.”

While Chalett has had no formal religious training and considers himself an atheist, his pamphlet for the exhibit explains that he fully identifies with Judaism.

“I think Jews identify with [the exhibit] a certain way,” Chalett said. “Even if you’re not religious, yarmulkes are a statement about being Jewish.”

A few of the autographs in the exhibit were obtained through friends, but the majority of the pieces in the collection are products of Chalett’s ingenuity. In fact, several yarmulkes that were sent away to be signed never came back, meaning he acquired most of the signatures in person.

“I’m proud that I single-handedly collected most of the yarmulkes,” Chalett said. “It was that element that made it personally fulfilling for me.”

While he has ideas about which celebrity’s autograph he’d like to get next, he said only time will tell how his collection will expand.

“I’d love to get Nelson Mandela or Bono, but we’ll see where life takes me,” Chalett said. “I don’t have a list drawn up in my mind of who is next or how the story will unfold.”

Reach editorial assistant Lexie Krell at arts@dailyuw.com.