Frank M. Blackburn Collection

Pardon Our Noise

We wish to apologize for construction noise in the building. The library is currently undergoing renovations to increase the safety of the building. Please look at the Cornette Library Maintenance and Renovations Libguide for more information.

Door Closure: Due to the construction, the east entrance of the library and portions of the east lawn (facing 26th Street and Centennial Hall) are currently closed. Please use the south entrance until further notice. Note: The Overnight Book Drop is out of service due to the closure. If you are unable to return your books during business hours, please contact Access Services at (806) 651-2215.

The The Frank M. Blackburn Collection and Reading Room was named to honor Frank M. Blackburn, University Librarian from 1958-1982 and collector of rare books. The collection mainly consists of books by and about Thomas Wolfe.

Please see the following FAQs for information on the use of this collection:

The Frank M. Blackburn Reading Room also includes:

books by and about the Powys brothers, John Cowper Powys, T.F. Powys, and Llewelyn Powys;
the Smith-Sheffy Memorial Library;
the Loula Grace Erdman Collection;
several rare children's books; and
Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia published in London in 1787 which has been called "one of American's first permanent literary and intellectual landmarks.