The collection of the Duarte Historical Society and Friends of the Library focuses on the history of the City of Duarte and adjacent Bradbury. Its archive includes photographs, records, and other artifacts related to the settlers and families who developed Duarte, the local schools, and the local citrus industry..

The Special Collections holdings reflect the diverse communities of the Claremont Colleges and the local area and region. Among the collections especially pertinent to Los Angeles and Southern California are the following:

The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage was opened in 2001 and is named after its lead donors, Ruth and Charles Gilb. The Museum is maintained and operated by the City of Arcadia and houses artifacts and artwork representative of local Arcadia history and culture. The Museum presents seven individual interpretive exhibit spaces with both permanent and temporary exhibits as well as three off-site…