Spotlighted Collections

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Mechanical Puzzles

Explore thousands of mechanical puzzles, from the Rubik's cube to impossible objects, and more.
Photograph of Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut

Learn more about Vonnegut manuscripts and books at the Lilly Library.
Photograph of Sylvia Plath

Sylvia Plath

Learn more about the manuscripts of poet Sylvia Plath at the Lilly Library.
Portrait photograph of Upton Sinclair

Upton Sinclair

Learn more about the manuscripts and books related to Upton Sinclair in the Lilly Library.

Modern Political Papers

The Indiana University Modern Political Papers Collection consists of the congressional papers of senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Investiture certificate for Thayer Cumings in the Baker Street Irregulars

Baker Street Irregulars

Explore the history of the Baker Street Irregulars, the world’s first Sherlockian literary society, through its archive at the Lilly Library.
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Bibles and Religion

Learn more about important bibles in the Lilly Library collections, including the Gutenberg New Testament.

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American History

From the times of Columbus, through the revolution and other wars, and including mid-century key political figures, the American History collection at the Lilly

A printed and hand-colored picture sheet showing various animals and everyday objects.

Children's Literature

The Lilly Library’s collection of children’s literature spans centuries and continents, and represents the most notable authors of some of the best-loved works

Illustration of a voltaic pile.

Medicine and Science

Works from biology, genetics, chemistry, mathematics, and physics illustrate the history of science. Explore a 1628 description of blood circulation, first edit

Indiana Sanborn Maps

Information about Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for the state of Indiana held by IU Libraries

Russian Topographic Maps

IU Libraries collection of captured Russian Military Topographic Maps mostly from the Soviet Red Army from 1880-1945 covering Eastern Europe.

Cover of a pamphlet showing a map

Indiana History

Indiana history materials at the Lilly Library offer many paths for the curious Hoosier, from printed accounts of early visitors to Indiana to letters written b

Engraving of Walt Whitman, open-necked shirt, cocked hat

American Literature

The Lilly Library’s collections of American authors are a principal strength, including notable authors in several genres represented in books, correspondence a