In 2017, Washington University Libraries acquired the Joy Williams Papers, a major milestone for its Modern Literature Collection. First and foremost, Williams is one of this country’s most esteemed living writers, especially in the short story genre. She is also the first female author who writes exclusively prose to house her papers here, and her long-standing connection to other writers in the Modern Literature Collection and Washington University’s Writer’s Program makes her a perfect fit.
In 2021, to celebrate her papers as well as her new novel Harrow, Washington University Libraries installed the "Joy Williams: Honored Guest" exhibition in the Ginkgo Room of Olin Library and cohosted with the Washington University English Department a reading and conversation with Joy in Graham Chapel.
This digital exhibit is a companion to the onsite exhibit and to that exciting event. Last but not least, it is an ongoing portal into the treasures of the Joy Williams Papers.