The Archives and Special Collections contain significant holdings of historical papers dating to the college's founding.

[3][6] The library was later renamed for Richard T. Clark, former chair of the Washington & Jefferson College board of trustees, and retired chairman and CEO of Merck & Co., and his wife, Angela, who provided the lead gift for a substantial renovation to the original 1965 structure.

[7] In the summer of 2018, the library underwent a major renovation converting the upper floor to facilitate collaborative study space, increasing the footprint of the archives and special collections, and updating the building to be more accessible for all patrons.

[8] The Clark Family Library maintains a robust collection of print and electronic resources that are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the college curriculum.

The Walker Room contains a rich collection of books, bookcases, pictures, furniture, chandeliers, and exquisite stained-glass lamps.