On March 6, 1978, Dr. Norris Preyer, Emeritus Professor of Queens University of Charlotte, proposed a plan for the acquisition and development of the Special Collections Room in Everett Library.  Dr. Preyer wrote: Items acquired for this room should be centered around a few common themes to give coherence and unity to the collection. The three themes selected seek to meet four objectives: to build upon already existing strengths in the Everett Library collection, to relate to the special history and culture of Queens College (now Queens University of Charlotte), to be useful for research by Friends of the Library, Alumnae of the college, college students and scholars, to serve as a possible training area for development of archival and library science skills and perhaps, also for skills needed in design, museum, and historic preservation careers.

The three themes are: The Queens College Collection, The Local History Collection, and The Art of the Book-Maker.

The Special Collections Room holds materials related to history of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, southern history, manuscripts of historical significance to the founding of Queens College, books by North Carolina and southern authors, materials on the history of the Presbyterian Church, and rare and distinctive books and materials.  Included in the mission of collecting books that show the “art of the book maker,” facsimile reproductions of the Guttenburg Bible and Book of Hours and an original Fore-Edge Book are displayed.  The collection is available to patrons by requesting an appointment with a librarian.

The Special Collections Room offers a space for small group meetings, such as the Friends of the Library Board Members meetings, visiting dignitaries and guests, faculty sponsored small seminars, and local groups with partnership ties to Queens University. 

For a listing of materials in the Special Collections book collections, visit the on-line catalog for Everett, and select a search for materials in Special Collections.  For information or to inquire about your particular interest, contact  Dr. Carol Walker Jordan, 704-337-2400.