The Braxton Collection of Popular Literature is back after a pandemic hiatus! Come peruse this collection of recent popular fiction and nonfiction titles on the second floor of the Mudd building in the Library.
As you’re browsing the collection and looking for your next great read, check out the books from the Staff Picks program. This program highlights books that Library staff loved and recommended for the collection. Each Staff Pick has a small card under that lists the title, the recommending staff member, and a small blurb about what makes the book great.
New books are added to the collection each month. Since May 2022, 61 new books have been purchased for the collection; they range from popular science and history to literary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and romance.
Since April 2022, books from the Braxton Collection have circulated 183 times. The most popular item was The Library Book by Susan Orlean, which was checked out four times in six months!
The Braxton Collection reflects the range of interests of The Claremont Colleges community. Though many of these titles might reflect topics in the curriculum of the Colleges, the main goal of this collection is recreational, honoring that our students, faculty, and staff are whole people with interests outside of the classroom. Additionally, the Braxton Collection works to collect popular titles by diverse voices, which have often been underrepresented in publishing.
Kendra Macomber, Research Services Librarian and Kirsten Hansen, Teaching and Outreach Librarian, manage the collection; however, all library staff are encouraged to submit book recommendations for the collection.
If you’re looking for even more popular reading titles, don’t forget to check out our local public library, the LA County Library system. All California residents are eligible for a free library card, including students.