You can search for titles in the Rare Books Room through the library catalog. Just make sure to select "Rare Books Room" from the drop-down menu to the right of the search box.

Spring 2025 Hours

Sunday: by appointment

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Thursday, Saturday: CLOSED

Contact us via email or by phone to book an appointment or class visit.

Email: rarebooks@evergreen.edu

Phone: (360)867-6625

Currently On Display

Coming soon!

Q: What is this place?

A: The James F. Holly Rare Books Collection, located on the third floor of the library in room 3302, houses a miscellany of odd, old, and beautiful books. Named in honor of the College’s founding Dean of Library Services, the collection testifies to Evergreen’s commitment to the preservation of history and culture through the art of the book. The collection is comprised of handmade and small press books, important first editions, miniature books and hand-printed ephemera, as well as trade books that are both rare and beautiful to look at, touch, and read. We also collect books with regional content and themes, including Northwest authors, Northwest history, and diverse antiquities donated by people who live in the Northwest region. 

Q: Do I need an appointment?

A: We only require appointments for class visits or out-of-town guests to guarantee that we will be available and prepared. To make an appointment, reach out to rarebooks@evergreen.edu at least two weeks in advance. We are open for drop-in visits during the hours listed above, and our staff are happy to help find what you need.

Q: What makes a book “rare”?

A: There are several factors that might contribute to a book’s designation as “rare,” including books that are limited in print (250 copies or less), handmade or bound by hand, out of print and in high demand, special editions or first editions, signed by the author/illustrator or previously owned by a significant person in history, or books that include original illustrations.

For more information about what makes a book rare, check out this Conserve-O-Gram from the National Park Service.

Q: How do you choose new materials to add to the collection?

A: The Rare Books Room has its own collection development policy and selection criteria that it uses to select new materials. If you would like to donate materials or suggest a purchase for the collection, please email rarebooks@evergreen.edu.

Q: Are there any rules for entering the Rare Books Room?

A: Yes. We ask that you leave any food, drink, and backpacks outside the room or with the staff member while you browse the collection. Allow staff members to shelve materials for you. Wash your hands before touching the books, and be kind to the bindings. We are here to help you handle these objects! Rare books cannot be checked out or leave the Rare Books Room, but you may take photographs for individual use and research.

Q: Can I touch the books?

A: You are welcome to touch the books in the collection with clean, dry hands. That means we will ask you to wash your hands first and to not apply hand sanitizer or lotion. For fragile, old, oversize, or deteriorating books, a staff member can help you open and turn the pages. If you have cuts on your hands, manicured nails, or any other qualities that might make it unsafe to touch our books with bare hands, we have nitrile gloves that you may use during your visit.

Q: What is the oldest book in your collection?

A: The oldest books in our collection include the following titles:

• Suites des remarques nouvelles sur la langue françoise by Dominique Bouhours (1692)

• Histoire du roi Henri le Grand by Hardouin de Péréfixe de Beaumont (1749)

• An Universal Etymological English Dictionary by Nathan Bailey (1757)

• A poetical translation of the works of Horace, with the original text, and critical notes collected from his best Latin and French commentators by Horace and Phillip Frances (1765)

• The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman by Laurence Sterne (1767)

Q: What is your favorite book in the collection?

A: We all have our favorites! Ask our staff member at the desk to tell you theirs.