Charles E. Shain Library, Connecticut College

Department of Special Collections

About the Department

The Connecticut College Library's rare books and unique collections of historical and literary value are kept in the Department of Special Collections and Archives of the Charles E. Shain Library. The collections and strengths are described in detail in the Collections section of this web page with hypertext links to the finding aids, inventory lists and web sites that have been created for some of the collections.

The Palmer Room on the second floor of Shain Library is the reading room for special collections. During the academic year Special Collections is open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a break for lunch. During the summer, the hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  It is recommended that visits be scheduled in advance by appointment. Please contact Laurie M. Deredita, Director of Special Collections and Archives, at 860-439-2654.

Material documenting the history of Connecticut College is kept in the College Archives located on the third floor of Shain Library.   Please contact Nova Seals, Librarian for Special Collections and Archives, at 860-439-2686.