The Rare Book Room of McCabe Library houses a wonderful collection of unique items including: rare books, old books, limited-edition books, books that don't look like books, bound volumes of magazines and newspapers, Swarthmore publications such as the College Bulletin and the Phoenix, collections on William Wordsworth, O. Henry, W.H. Auden, James Michener '29, and Seamus Heaney.
Rare Book Room collections are frequently on exhibit in McCabe Library, and although the Rare Book Room is not open to the public for browsing, we aim to promote use of the collection for research, scholarship, and enjoyment.
Search Swarthmore's special collections in Tripod. You may inquire about arrangements to view materials within the Friends Historical Library by appointment. Contact McCabe Library circulation for more information.
Devoted to the acquisition of fine printing and artist books, the collection represents all aspects of the physical book including bookbinding, typography, letterpress and offset printing, illustration, and book design.
