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Hope College

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Academics
Grounded in a general liberal arts education, Hope College offers specialized study in more than 90 majors, minors and pre-professional programs.
Admissions
Flourishing programs in 90+ disciplines. A vibrant Christian mission. $50 million in new campus construction. Championship athletics. 94% placement within 6 months of graduation. There’s never been a better time to consider Hope College.
Research
Research abounds at Hope. Our students and faculty carry out high-quality research projects that are challenging, meaningful and contribute to exciting new knowledge in a broad range of disciplines.
Arts
At Hope College, award-winning student performances share the stage with nationally known writers, musicians, performers and artists.
Campus Life
The Hope College campus is a place to come alive. We have hundreds of student organizations, groups and events you can plug into, serve with, play in, root for and grow with.
Athletics
As a member of the MIAA and NCAA Division III associations, Hope College sponsors 22 varsity sports for men and women. The college is home to the 2022 NCAA Division III National Championship women’s basketball team.

Joint Archives of Holland

Rare Books Collection

Van Wylen Library’s collection of rare books includes works on art, history, literature, mathematics and science, as well as a collection of Bibles.

Manicured fingernails on a rare book

These books are housed in the Thomas E. and Jennie W. Welmers Rare Book Reading Room on the lower level. The library welcomes inquiries about the collection and will be pleased to help students and faculty use the books in their classes and scholarship.

The Rare Books Room is open Monday through Friday and may be reserved with special permission. The books may be used under supervision in either the Rare Books Reading Room or the Director’s Conference Room.

The majority of materials in this collection have been received as gifts from friends of the college. We welcome additional gifts of rare and special materials that meet our collection development guidelines. We especially would like to collect materials that illustrate the history of the book and examples of early manuscripts.

Ask a Librarian
Need help getting started on a research project, or suggestions for how to dig deeper into the research you've already begun? We're here for you! Let's get in touch

What is a rare book?

Learn the definition of “rare” and whether you own any rare books yourself.