This collection includes materials which are of special value or interest due to age, rarity, artistic or artifactual qualities: 

• Over 4,000 items which date from 2350 B.C through the 20th century.
• Formats include clay tablets, manuscripts, incunabula, books from the hand press period, 19th and
• 20th century first editions, autograph copies, illustrated works and fine printing. Also included are
• Maps, periodicals, miniature books, facsimiles, special bindings, and unusual formats.

   

Among the many collections, particularly notable are: 

The Ames Collection :  In August 1998, over 200 childrenís books were given in memory of Anna Gerhard Ames, by her daughters Millicent, Ann, Eliza, Alison (Class of 1966), and Katrine.  While most of the books are in English, German, French, and Japanese languages are represented.  The collection represents a wide variety of genres and formats, including novels, collections of stories, poetry, fairy tales, pop-ups, textbooks, picture books, and periodicals.  The publication dates ranges from 1809 to 1987, with the bulk falling in between the years 1880-1920.   Authors and illustrators represented include Louisa May Alcott,  Sophie SÈgur, Ewing Juliana, Andrew Lang, Mrs. Molesworth, Walter Crane, and Jessie Willcox Smith, among many others.  In addition, a number of books have beautiful late nineteenth and early twentieth century cloth bindings with gold stamping.

Robert Frost: First editions, many of which are autographed or inscribed copies.

Benjamin Franklin: Works by, about, and printed by Benjamin Franklin, including an original letter written to a French merchant in 1784, explaining American currency and business practices.

Hollins Authors: Published works of Faculty and Writers-in-Residence including Richard Dillard, George Garrett, and Eudora Welty. Works of Margaret Wise Brown, Lee Smith, and Annie Dillard are among the numerous Alumnae/i publications.