The Rare Book collections are organized into rare books of general subject interest and around a central theme, subject, or author. The oldest printed book is dated 1478, but the collection contains facsimile editions of many classic works.
The general Rare Book collection contains many books of historical interest in agriculture, the book arts (including books published by fine presses), botany (including herbals), history, philosophy, typography, and zoology.
Collections developed around a central theme or author include:
- Carl Woodward Collection of Early Agricultural Publications
- Cathedral Library (Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island)
- Commercial Pattern Archive Library
- Edna St. Vincent Millay Collection
- Edwin Arlington Robinson Collection
- Ezra Pound Collection
- Fritz Eichenberg’s Personal Library
- Poetry Collection
- Pym Randall Press Collection
- Walt Whitman Collection
- Wilbur Doctor Merrymount Press Collection
All the books are cataloged and can be located in the Libraries’ main catalog with their respective collection designation before the call number. Rare Books do not circulate.