Special Collections

Murray Library currently has four special collections, each of which traces its beginning to Friends of the Library.

Artists’ Books Collection

Murray Library has a fine collection of almost 100 Artists’ books—simply defined as books created as works of art. These books are not only fascinating and often feasts for the eyes, but also they challenge the notion of what “book” means. Included in the collection are books created by Messiah faculty members, Christine Forsythe and Kathy Hettinga. Books from the collection are displayed near the Reference area on a rotating basis. Artists’ books not on display are housed in a cabinet near the current newspapers. See a librarian to view these titles. There is an illustrated catalogue of the artists’ books next to the cabinet.

Search the Artists’ books collection using Messiah’s Library Catalog. Click Subject tab and key in: Artists’ books.

Canadian Literature Collection

Created and supported by the Friends of Murray Library, this special collection consists of literature by influential and notable Canadian authors such as Margaret Atwood, Rudy Wiebe, Robertson Davies, Leonard Cohen and Alice Munro. This 500-title collection is integrated with other books in the Library’s main book stacks. Search the Canadian literature collection using Messiah's Library Catalog. Click Subject tab and key in: Canadian Literature Collection.

Ruth E. Engle Memorial Collection of Children’s Book Illustration

Dedicated in April 2004, this Collection of original picture book art by award-winning illustrators was begun with gifts given to Friends of Murray Library in memory of Ruth Engle, a charter member who also served on its Board. New artworks are added to the Collection annually, purchased with gifts from Friends and donors. The illustrations--currently 21 in number--reflect a variety of media, styles, and subjects, and include works by illustrators from Australia, China, Mali, and Russia, as well as America.

Visitors are welcome to view the collection during regular library hours.

Please view a portfolio of the collection.

The W. Jim Neidhardt Collection on Religion and Science

Dr. W. Jim Neidhardt’s keen interest in the relationship between modern science and the Christian faith, as well as the presence of several longtime friends and colleagues at Messiah College, led him to give his extensive personal library to Murray Library. Subject areas in the collection are astonishingly diverse: physics, engineering, theology, history and philosophy of science, cybernetics, chaos theory, artificial intelligence, psychology, philosophy, sociology, Christian living, aesthetics, and fine arts. Perspectives both within and outside of Christianity are represented.

The collection is integrated with other books in the Library’s main book stacks.

Search the W. Jim Neidhardt collection using Messiah's Library Catalog.Click Subject tab and key in: Neidhardt Collection.