In the heart of the University of Minnesota Library's rare book collections lies the Archie Givens, Sr. Collection of African American Literature. Over 200 years of African American literature and life are represented in this impressive, growing collection, from the 1773 poems of a slave woman, Phillis Wheatley, to the very latest Easy Rawlins mysteries by Walter Mosley.
The collection includes books, pamphlets, manuscripts, letters, and ephemera on a wide variety of subjects. The works are either authored by African American writers or by others writing about African Americans. The collection has especially deep holdings from the Harlem Renaissance period, as well as works on music and theater.
The Givens Collection is available for use by the general public on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. It is located in the Elmer L. Andersen Library at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. The department is in Suite 111 of Andersen Library.
The Collection’s webpage is http://special.lib.umn.edu/rare/givens
The Givens Collection welcomes the donation of books, manuscript material, or monetary donations to support the collection. Manuscript material (personal papers or organizational records) may include correspondence, working files, photographs, unpublished works, newspaper clippings, pamphlets, book club records, or any other items that document the literary life of African Americans. The material does not have to be organized to be donated. Staff members will arrange, describe, and make it available for researchers.
To discuss donations, please contact the collection's curator.
© 2000-2006 The Givens Foundation
