Toni Morrison’s papers to be housed at Princeton

PRINCETON (AP) -- The papers of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison are now part of the permanent library collection of Princeton University.

Princeton made the announcement Friday, shortly before the 83-year-old Morrison took part in a forum at the school where she served on the faculty for 17 years.

The renowned author's papers contain about 180 linear feet of research materials documenting her life, work and writing methods. They include manuscripts, drafts and proofs of many of Morrison's novels. Materials for her children's literature, lyrics, lectures, correspondence and more are also part of the collection.

Additional manuscripts and papers will be added over time, beginning with the manuscript of Morrison's next novel, which is expected to be published in the spring.

Morrison, who won the Pulitzer Prize for her novel "Beloved" in 1988, came to Princeton in 1989 and was a member of the university's creative writing program until she retired in 2006. In 1994, she founded the Princeton Atelier, bringing together undergraduate students in interdisciplinary collaborations with acclaimed artists and performers.

"Toni Morrison's place among the giants of American literature is firmly entrenched, and I am overjoyed that we are adding her papers to the Princeton University Library's collections," Princeton President Christopher Eisgruber said. "We at Princeton are fortunate that (Morrison) brought her brilliant talents as a writer and teacher to our campus 25 years ago, and we are deeply honored to house her papers and to help preserve her inspiring legacy."

Morrison received an honorary doctorate during the school's 2013 commencement.

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