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Rare Book Collection:
Rare Book Collection

Springfield College’s Rare Book Collection illuminates the history of the College from its first days as the School for Christian Workers and the International YMCA Training School to the present day. 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 collection includes over 15,000 volumes that range from the early 1800s to the present day. The Rare Book Collections – supplemented by a rich array of manuscript collections – provide a useful lens to explore the ways the College’s mission, history, and curriculum has transformed over the decades.

Five major themes are woven throughout Springfield College’s Rare Book Collections:

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