The Kelsey St. Press records including correspondence, manuscripts, corrected proofs, reviews, minutes, agendas, flyers, photographs, catalogues, artwork, financial information and audio-visual materials.

Kelsey St. Press was founded in 1974 by Rena Rosenwasser and Patricia Dienstfrey with the mission to address the historical marginalization of women writers by small press and mainstream publishers. Their editorial policy foregrounded women’s creativity and experiences, and sought to encourage cultural diversity. In addition, they placed an emphasis on publishing books by previously unpublished writers, and collaborative works between poets and visual artists. Many of their early works were produced as letterpress editions. Among the writers published by the press are Rosemarie Waldrop, Laura Mullen, Barbara Guest, Nellie Wong, Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, Anne Dunn, Cecilia Vicuña and others. In 1999, they established the Frances Jaffer Book Award as a means of providing continued support to emerging poets.

15 cartons, 4 oversize boxes, and 3 oversize folders (24.25 linear feet)

All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection materials must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, 94720-6000. Consent is given on behalf of The Bancroft Library as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such permission must be obtained from the copyright owner. See: http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/reference/permissions.html.

Collection is open for research.