Guide to African American reference
Guide to Afro-Caribbean reference
Jul 22, 2008
(news source: The South End: the Official Student Newspaper of Wayne State, 7/16/08)
Tucked away on the third floor of the Purdy-Kresge Library, in a room where the shades are
always drawn, is one of Wayne State's hidden treasures: the African American Literature Special
Collection. The collection contains various types of literary works from writers who have grown up
in Detroit, studied here for some time or have visited and were influenced by the Motor City.
Much of the collection contains original prints of rare works, including a signed book of
aphorisms by Booker T. Washington. There are also several miscellaneous items that are kept in
acid-free envelopes. In total, the collection contains 4,554 books of all types, 450 archival items
and several other works waiting to be processed.
The African-American Literature Special Collection was born in April 2006, when Don Vest - a
publisher and chairperson of the collection's leadership group-approached Barton Lessin and
discussed the potential of its creation. Lessin then met with Vest and a handful of other WSU and
community leaders in order to plan out and create the collection. Now in the summer of 2008, the
African-American Literature Special Collection has over thirty members in its leadership
group.
University LibraryFor comments on this page contact: African American Research Center
Last modified by: Thomas Weissinger on 7/22/08