Rare Book Room

Burton Barr > Rare Book Room

<div class="ExternalClassF74ECB0967084601B621203F5245C2F2">The Phoenix Public Library received the Alfred Knight Collection as a donation in 1958. Alfred Knight was a successful businessman, civic leader, local philanthropist, and dedicated library patron. Mr. Knight's interests spanned a diverse range encompassing Shakespeareana, Napoleana, early modern literature, as well as prized first editions of American and British literary classics. The Rare Book Room also houses a reference collection on history of the book, history of printing, and typography, as well as an expansive collection of artists' books. <h1>Rare Book Room News</h1><h2>Historic Treasure Found in Phoenix Public Library </h2><div><h3>Background: </h3></div><div>For centuries, public libraries have played a critical role in communities. A role that evolves and shifts, reflecting the needs of its community. Yet at the same time, public libraries remain timeless and few gathering spaces appear as frequently in an individual’s life as the library. Here in Phoenix it's where a child goes for story time and to read their first chapter book. Where an adolescent learns to code and discovers how to get lost in a novel. Where a nervous teenager fills out their college applications. Where adults snag the latest musical album or newest book topping the charts, receive help with their taxes or prep for an interview. Where visitors of all ages can connect with life changing information or find a treasure. </div><div>It is also the place where on a recent March morning global scholars gathered in Phoenix Public Library’s Rare Book Room at <a href="/locations/burton-barr">Burton Barr Central Library</a>. The group, hosted and joined by <a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arizona State University</a> faculty, looked on with slack-jawed wonder at a 437-year-old book with handwritten notes by author John Milton of “Paradise Lost” fame. Normally, it would take months for scholars to research the handwriting and determine if it was Milton’s. But, by ASU faculty leading the charge and inviting four international scholars to join together, the red tape was cut away and <a href="https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/john-milton-annotated-holinshed-chronicles-commentary/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">history was made</a>. </div><div>Just a few floors above where local teens sat filling out college applications these scholars identified the handwriting of Milton in an Alfred Knight Collection copy of “Holinshed’s Chronicles,” dated 1587. Believed to be very popular in its time, “Holinshed’s Chronicles” was used as a source for much of Shakespeare’s works. It’s likely that, at one time, this was John Milton’s personal copy of the book and this is only the third book with Milton’s notes known to history. </div><div>It would be hard to overstate the significance of such a find nearly 350 years after Milton’s death and at this particular point in time. As debates rage across the nation over the notion of free speech, finding the handwriting and real-time thoughts of one of history’s most impassioned defenders of both the freedom of speech and of the press seems like kismet. Even more good fortune, this treasure of a rare book representing a timeless thread is accessible at a public library. </div><h4>FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: </h4>Annie DeGraw, ASU (602) 502-3856 <a href="mailto:annie.degraw@asu.edu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">annie.degraw@asu.edu</a> Lee Franklin, Phoenix Public Library (602) 534-2025 <a href="mailto:lee.franklin@phoenix.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lee.franklin@phoenix.gov</a><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335572071":0,"335572072":0,"335572073":0,"335572075":0,"335572076":0,"335572077":0,"335572079":0,"335572080":0,"335572081":0,"335572083":0,"335572084":0,"335572085":0,"335572087":0,"335572088":0,"335572089":0,"469789798":"nil","469789802":"nil","469789806":"nil","469789810":"nil","469789814":"nil"}"> <h4 style="font-size:13px;">FOR MORE TOURS OR RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS, CONTACT: </h4><a href="mailto: %E2%80%8Brarebookroom@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">rarebookroom@phoenix.gov</a> <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335572071":0,"335572072":0,"335572073":0,"335572075":0,"335572076":0,"335572077":0,"335572079":0,"335572080":0,"335572081":0,"335572083":0,"335572084":0,"335572085":0,"335572087":0,"335572088":0,"335572089":0,"469789798":"nil","469789802":"nil","469789806":"nil","469789810":"nil","469789814":"nil"}"> <img src="/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare%20Book%20Room/RBR_Holinsheds-Chronicles_web.jpg" alt="Scholars gather around "Holinshed's Chronicles" (1587) in the Rare Book Room at Burton Barr Central Library." style="margin:5px;" /> <span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":240,"335572071":0,"335572072":0,"335572073":0,"335572075":0,"335572076":0,"335572077":0,"335572079":0,"335572080":0,"335572081":0,"335572083":0,"335572084":0,"335572085":0,"335572087":0,"335572088":0,"335572089":0,"469789798":"nil","469789802":"nil","469789806":"nil","469789810":"nil","469789814":"nil"}">Scholars from left to right: Aaron Pratt, Tara Lyons, Zachary Lesser, Claire Bourne and Brandi Adams. </div>

Miniature books	Miniature books	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR_Miniatures_web.jpg	688
Closeup of music document	Closeup of music document	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR_Music-Closeup_web.jpg	689
Paradise lost: A poem in ten books by John Milton, 1668	Paradise lost: A poem in ten books by John Milton, 1668	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR_Paradise-Lost_web.jpg	691
Discover the many treasures held within the Rare Book Room.	Discover the many treasures held within the Rare Book Room.	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR_web.jpg	375
The space is punctuated with unique pieces of art.	The space is punctuated with unique pieces of art.	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR2_web.jpg	485
Small, black hand press: The Rare Book Room includes objects dedicated to the history of printmaking, including this hand press printer.	Small, black hand press: The Rare Book Room includes objects dedicated to the history of printmaking, including this hand press printer.	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR5_web.jpg	488
A place for research and discovery.	A place for research and discovery.	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR3_web.jpg	486
The Eames Chair in the Rare Book Room.	The Eames Chair in the Rare Book Room.	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR4_web.jpg	487
The Rare Book Room offers featured exhibits in addition to a variety of special collections.	The Rare Book Room offers featured exhibits in addition to a variety of special collections.	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR6_web.jpg	489
Closeup of manuscript with music	Closeup of manuscript with music	https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/images/Libraries/BBCL/Rare Book Room/RBR_Manuscript-Closeup_web.jpg	687

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<div class="ExternalClass316B73F76956418AABED1A4881E6E844"><h2>Rare Book Room has limited availability through May 2025. </h2>The Rare Book Room is open to all researchers—academic or enthusiast—to use materials from the collection in our reading room. The reading room is available by appointment Tuesday through Friday. The collection does not circulate—all materials must remain in the room, no exceptions. Space is limited. Please request your appointment at least 2 weeks in advance and include items you wish to view. Please be aware of possible limitations on access for more fragile objects. Appointments are limited to a maximum of 2 hours each visit. <h2>What to Expect for Your Appointment </h2>You will be asked to come prepared with clean, dry hands. Restrooms are located on floors 1, 2, and 5. No food and drink (including water) are permitted in the reading room. You are welcome to bring a laptop or tablet, camera, notebook, and pencils. Unless other noted or advised, you are welcome to take photographs without flash. Please note you may use your cellphone as a scanning device, but other scanning equipment is not permitted. You will be asked to store all bags, purses, and personal belongings in the adjacent office inside the Reading Room. Staff will bring your requested items to you one at a time and provide instructions on how to safely handle items. Please let staff know of anything that you might be uncomfortable handling yourself and they will be happy to assist. Staff will be present for the duration of your visit and may handle items and turn pages for you, if necessary, depending on item condition or value. Questions on the research appointment process? Email <a href="mailto:%20rarebookroom@phoenix.gov">rarebookroom@phoenix.gov</a>. </div>

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