Welcome to the Chapin Library
The Chapin Library documents civilization, in the broadest sense of that word – people, places, events, and ideas – through rare books, manuscripts, and other materials, in all subjects and periods of history, in support of the liberal arts education provided by Williams College. Created by an alumnus for the use of Williams undergraduates, it has carried out its mission of instruction and inspiration since 1923.
Hundreds of undergraduates, graduate students, faculty members, and visiting scholars use the Chapin Library each year. Individually or in class groups, they benefit from one of the finest collections of rare books and manuscripts at any American college or university, and one that is also of international stature. In conjunction with the Williams College Libraries and the Library of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, the Chapin Library is an important part of the substantial library facilities to be found in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Due to renovation of our rooms in Stetson Hall and the pending construction of a new library/information technology center, the Chapin Library is in temporary quarters in the historic Southworth Schoolhouse until at least summer 2013. During this period, many of our holdings are in storage and will be unavailable for use. Printed materials available for consultation in our temporary reading room are indicated in the online catalogue FRANCIS by the tag “non-circ”. For the availability of manuscripts and other collections, please contact a member of our staff.
While we are in temporary quarters, we have no exhibitions on site. The Library's collection of the Founding Documents of the United States is on temporary display at the Williams College Museum of Art.
The links in the menu bar at left lead to more detailed information on the Chapin Library and how to use it.