Armstrong Browning Library

Specialties

The Armstrong Browning Library is a research library devoted to the study of the lives and works of the Victorian poets, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

It houses the world’s largest collection of books, letters, manuscripts, and memorabilia pertaining to the Brownings, as well as a substantial collection of primary and secondary materials related to 19^th-​century literature and culture. Included in the latter category are works by literary figures who were contemporaries and associates of the Brownings, such as Matthew Arnold, Charles Dickens, George MacDonald, Joseph Milsand, and John Ruskin. Growing collections of 19^th-​century women poets and 19^th-​century theological pamphlets are among its newest avenues of expansion. Students and scholars are welcome to conduct research using its extensive non-​circulating collections.

History

Established in 1951.

In 1918, Dr. Armstrong donated his collection of Browning books to Baylor University. For the rest of his life he dedicated a major part of his energy to raising funds. Initially, the Browning collection was housed on the open shelves of Baylor’s main library, but in 1922 a fire occurred. Fortunately, all of the Browning items were saved, so, during the renovation of the building, a special Browning Room was created and dedicated in 1924.

As early as 1925, Baylor’s Browning collection was clearly the largest single concentration in the world; equally clear was the need for a separate building. In 1943, Baylor president Pat N. Neff offered $ 100,000 toward the construction of the library and challenged Armstrong to raise the remaining funds. Despite being slowed by a post-​war economy, groundbreaking for the three-​story library was held on May 7, 1948. Finally, after construction, dedication ceremonies were held December 1, 1951.

Today, the ABL continues to grow in volume and importance