The Appalachian Collection is composed of books, e-books, DVDs, and streaming content covering local and regional history, literature, art, music, ecology, and culture. Significant events such as the Civil War, the Cherokee Removal, the Coal Mine Wars, and the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are represented as well as issues such as race, religion, gender, public health, labor, and social and environmental justice. The collection is focused on developing an emphasis on Appalachian literature and poetry including contemporary fiction, Appalachian folklore and legend, children's stories, humor, and language studies. Resources on traditional, old-time, stringband, and bluegrass music can be found in the collection in addition to art and photobooks featuring regional artists and images. Appalachian cooking, seed-saving, and traditional crafts such as quilting, weaving, and basket-making are also featured.
