About this guide
At this guide you will find more information about the artists' books in Special Collections and Archives at Kennedy Library. Click on the tabs on the left to learn more.
About Cal Poly's Artists Books
Special Collections and Archives houses over 700 unique and limited artists' books. They are excellent resources for design inspiration, creative book construction, printing and bookbinding techniques, visual rhetoric and studying the book as an object.
Special Collections and Archives began collecting artists' books in earnest during the 1970s with an emphasis on California artists. The collection includes books by artist, printers, students, and publishers from around the world. We are intentional about purchasing works by creators who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ. We focus on work that address topics including racial and gender identity, immigration, visualization of data, mapping, politics, architecture, and social and environmental justice.
Everyone is welcome to access these books in the Kennedy Library. Learn how to schedule an appointment here.
While the archives is closed, we can offer to film videos of the artists books for you or meet with you on Zoom. View selected videos here.

Photos of some of the artists' books in Special Collections and Archives', photographed by Prem Ananda (ART '09).