List

Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture

Afrofuturism

One of the most popular and actively researched sub-genres today is Afrofuturism, and our collection is strong and growing.

Poster for Forbidden City, USA.

Asian-American Film

The Libraries has worked with the Asian American studies program and other stakeholders to build a robust collection of Asian American videos.

Original Gotham Book Mart sign that declares "Wise Men Fish Here"

Gotham Book Mart Collection

The Gotham Book Mart was a vital bookstore in the New York literary scene from its creation in 1920 to its closing in 2006. In 2008, after the closure of the bookstore, the Penn Libraries received the remaining stock of books, along with papers and other items from this landmark institution.

Collage of Hindi film, books, and DVDs.

Hindi & Bollywood Film

The Van Pelt Video Collection is home to more than 1,200 Hindi-language films as well as scholarly and popular books about Hindi and Bollywood film culture.

LGBT Film

Penn has a large and visible LGBT community, and the Van Pelt Video Collection reflects its broad interests in its acquisitions, which include documentaries as well as popular, mainstream, art house and independently released LGBT-themed films.

Drawing of Rudolf Serkin.

Rudolf Serkin Papers

Rudolf Serkin (1903-1991) was an American classical pianist known as one of the 20th century’s greatest soloists and for fostering a vibrant culture of chamber music via the Marlboro Music School and Festival.