With a focus on the history and literary heritage of Amherst and the surrounding Pioneer Valley, our collections include local history and genealogy resources, rare books, manuscripts, organizational records, photographs, and maps. We also maintain the Fine Arts Collection, which includes the paintings displayed throughout the Library.

Our premier collections include the Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson Collections, Amherst Authors Collection, and the Boltwood Local History and Genealogy Collection. We also have extensive photographic and manuscript collections.

Most of our books and other published materials are searchable through the library catalog. Online finding aids are available for a select number of our archival collections. A card catalog, indices, and print finding aids provide additional in-house access to our collections.