News and Exhibits

July 4 reading of historical texts

The Chapin Library of Rare Books at Williams College will host its annual July 4th reading of historical texts by actors from the Williamstown Theatre Festival at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025. Readers at this year’s event include President of the Stockbridge Munsee Community Shannon Holsey. The… Continue reading »

Marquis de Lafayette in Berkshire County

On June 13, 1825, the last surviving Major General of the Revolutionary Continental Army, the Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette, processed through Pittsfield, Massachusetts to great fanfare. He was almost a year into a memorial tour of the United States that served to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration… Continue reading »

Recent Publications on Display

What are they thinking?

The publications from the end-of-year Dean of Faculty and Library reception are now on display in the Sawyer and Schow libraries. Sciences publications are in Schow, Humanities and Social Sciences are in Sawyer.  Print copies of the bibliography of publications are available on site and online through the library… Continue reading »

Now on Display in Schow: Secret Histories of Medicine

Old timey sepia paper background enclosed by an ornate frame. Title text:

Ever wondered how tuberculosis shaped modern medicine, or who the first paramedics were? The practice and science of medicine has a long and varied history interwoven with imperialism, politics, and cultural taboos. In this display, explore books from the Schow stacks on how social undercurrents and systems… Continue reading »

Archives for Liberation: Williams College and Hampton

Please join us for a workshop on Tuesday, April 29 from 11am-12:30pm. Participants do not need to stay for the entire time – feel free to drop in late or leave early! In 1869, Samuel Chapman Armstrong (Williams 1862), the son of Hawaiian missionaries, founded the Hampton Agricultural and Industrial… Continue reading »

Downtime for Alexander Street Press on 3/26

The library’s Alexander Street platforms and services are scheduled for maintenance on Wednesday March 26, 2025, between 6AM and 2PM.  During that time, we may experience some service interruption for the following databases: Academic Video Online (AVON) Black Thought and Culture Civil War Letters and Diaries Meet the Press Oral… Continue reading »