Penn Libraries’ collections reflect the dynamism of migrations, movements, transnational communities, and multifaceted identities within our increasingly interconnected world. Blurring the boundaries of geopolitical borders, we strive to highlight diasporic groups, peoples from liminal regions, and multi-cultural exchange. Materials such as global Judaica, postcards from the Indo-Caribbean, Kurdish storytelling, and documents from imperial Japan, for instance, underscore the transnational complexities of the modern age. Additionally, an emphasis on activism foregrounds global movements related to ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ rights, disability studies, and refugee advocacy. Documenting and preserving more diverse experiences and complex histories contributes to richer, more representative research and learning at Penn.  

Anchor Collections

Image of Winkfield, Female American (Vermont 1814), Schimmel Fiction 4974.jpg

Caroline F. Schimmel Collection of Women in the American Wilderness

The Caroline F. Schimmel Collection of Women in the American Wilderness comprises over 6,000 works by women writers, including novels, short stories, poetry, works by Native American authors, travel writings, narratives of polar expeditions, captivity narratives, and works for children.

Original artwork by Ashley Bryan displayed on a table

Ashley Bryan Archive

Renowned artist, writer, storyteller, children's book creator, and humanitarian Ashley Bryan created thousands of drawings, paintings, collages, and linoleum block prints over the course of his long and productive life.

Comics on bookshelf.

East Asia Comics Collection

The East Asia Comics Collection embodies the Libraries’ strategic priorities to collect and preserve global voices, and to make accessible materials related to borders and belonging.