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Rare Book Collection: Rare Book Collection: Overview

The Rare Book Collection is located in Springfield College’s Archives and Special Collections, in the lower level of the Stitzer Welcome Center at Judd Gymnasia. The Rare Book Collection illuminates the history of the College from the early years - as the School for Christian Workers (1885-1890), the International YMCA Training School (1891-1912) and the International YMCA College (1912-1954) - to the present day.

The collection includes over 15,000 print volumes that mainly range from the early-19th century to the mid-20th century. The Rare Book Collection is supplemented by a rich array of manuscript collections and digital materials that provide a useful lens to explore the many ways the College’s mission, history, and curriculum has transformed over the decades.

The Rare Book Collection's major subject areas are:

  1. YMCA Publications & Historical Sources
  2. Physical Education & Training
  3. Leisure & Recreation – Youth & Reform
  4. History & Evolution of Sports
Spines of books held in the Rare Book Collection