Special Collections and Rare Book Room

Milner Library’s Special Collections and Rare Book Room, located on Floor Six of the library, contains approximately 35,000 volumes. In addition to the areas of emphasis listed below, Special Collections’ holdings include works by selected British and American authors (including local author Harold Sinclair), subject collections in drama, humor, the history of printing, works from small private presses, 18th and 19th century operatic scores, limited editions, fine bindings, and a collection of photographs by George Barford. Special Collections also houses The Thomas Hardy Association’s Collection of Early Hardy Criticism. Unless otherwise noted, Special Collections holdings are listed in the online catalog.

Special Collections emphasizes and actively collects in four areas: