Special Collections

Library Response to COVID-19

Middlebury College Special Collections houses the college’s rare book, manuscript, and archival collections.

By the numbers:

80 Zines

46 Tiny books

1 Stuffed Poodles

Student reads rare book in special collections reading room

Visit Special Collections

Middlebury Special Collections is open by appointment on weekdays. Anyone can use our collections, regardless of background, age, or affiliation.

Visit Us

Aaron N. Freeman to George Gilpin Robinson

Help transcribe our collections

If you can read handwriting, you can transcribe. Help make historic archives from Middlebury’s Special Collections accessible to future generations. Over 7,000 pages need you. Sign up for a free account with the crowdsourcing transcription service FromthePage, and start exploring Middlebury’s collections.

Learn how to help

Special Collections, MiddPoints

Middlebury's digital archives reach 1 million views on Internet Archive

January 14, 2022 | by Patrick Wallace

Yes, it’s true. And actually, as of today, that’s 1,007,622 views, but who’s counting?
Special Collections, MiddPoints

Middlebury Libraries to replace controversial subject headings: A Reparative Cataloging Project update

September 9, 2021 | by Kaitlin Buerge

The Middlebury Libraries’ Reparative Cataloging Project seeks to address catalog records that are historically inaccurate, offensive, discriminatory, or harmful. Earlier this year, we replaced the “illegal aliens” subject heading with “undocumented immigrants.” Now, we’re planning more changes!
Special Collections, MiddPoints

Itty Bitty: Miniature Books in Special Collections

August 13, 2021 | by Kaitlin Buerge

Special Collections’ newest exhibit features our tiniest books, ranging from handwritten religious texts to cookbooks, children’s books, and Shakespeare. Visit go/tinybooks for a virtual exhibit experience.