The University Archives maintains rare books and special collections.
All rare books can be found via the library's online catalog. Though the books cannot be checked out, they are available for use in the University Archives' reading room.
Material in Special Collections include the Ralph Heimdahl Papers, William Henry Jackson chromolithographs, Don Boros Theatre Collection, Jane Grey Swisshelm Papers, and the William Lindgren Asian Art Collection.
From the class of 1930, alum Ralph Heimdahl was best known as the artist for the daily and Sunday Bugs Bunny newspaper comic strip (1947-1978). Donated by the Heimdahl family in 2019, the material mostly contains "underdrawings" for the comic strip. In addition, there is material related to his artwork for Looney Tunes comic and children books, sketch drawings of Looney Tunes characters, and other personal material.
Contained in this collection are 821 William Henry Jackson chromolithographs. Total number of images, including duplicates, are 1228. Images depicted on the chromolithographs are from nearly all from Europe, especially Germany, Austria, and Great Britain, and North America.
This collection contains copies of letters written by abolitionist Jane Swisshelm to the Mitchell family in St. Cloud and letters from Henry Z. Mitchell to his wife Elizabeth (sister of Jane Swisshelm), as well as newspaper clippings / journal articles about Swisshelm and small amount of photographs.
A collection of art and artifacts gathered and donated by former SCSU faculty member William Lindgren. A complete art inventory is available in print. The archival material is also accessible in University Archives.
A collection containing first edition plays, hundreds of original playbills, letters, manuscripts, photographs, books, and other theatrical memorabilia. Don Boros, a 1967 alumnus of SCSU, donated the bulk of collection in 1994. Additions are made yearly.. Check the library's online catalog for the books by searching for the phrase " Don Boros Theatre Collection." Some books are in the library's circulating collection, while others are in University Archives. Contact the University Archives for more information on the rest of the collection.