Library & Study Boxes

Our Library and our Study Boxes programs are an important part of our embroidery resources for our members.

The Dorothy Babcock Memorial Library consists of a lending library of more than 5000 needlework books and a non-circulating reference section of rare and historic materials. Members are welcome to borrow up to four books at a time for a period of six weeks using the list below. Books are shipped via USPS Media Mail and borrowers are responsible for shipping and handling.

EGA Study Boxes

Through the Study Box program, EGA provides its members with a special way of learning. The boxes can be used as an introduction to a needlework technique, as an alternative to classroom study, or for advanced study.

Browse the Library

Members are welcome to borrow up to four books at a time for a period of six weeks using the list below. Books are shipped via USPS Media Mail and borrowers are responsible for shipping and handling.

Library Policies
  • Books are due back at EGA six weeks from the day they are shipped.
  • Members may check out up to four (4) books at a time.
  • Due date extensions can be requested by contacting headquarters. No extension requests are guaranteed.
  • Members are responsible for the replacement cost of books that are lost or are two (2) weeks overdue. Replacement cost is determined by EGA based on the cost of purchasing a new or as-close-to-new book available on the market. Membership privileges may be suspended if lost book fines are unpaid.
  • Significant damage to books, lost books, or other misuse of the library could result in a loss of library privileges.

Find a Book

You can search by book title or author. You may also search for a specific group of words by using quotation marks. For example, use “creative stitches” in the search, including the quotation marks, to see books with those specific words in the title.

  • ‘Remember Now Thy Creator’: Scottish Girls’ Samplers, 1700-1872

    Author: Tarrant, Naomi E. A.

    ISBN: 9781908332073

    Membership Required, Books, Samplers

     Available

    Add to cart
  • ‘When This You See Remember Me’: British Samplers and Historic Embroideries

    Author: Witney Antiques

    ISBN: 0951818694

    Membership Required, Books, Samplers

     Available

    Add to cart
  • “Behold the Labour of My Tender Age”: Children and Their Samplers, 1780-1850 (Exhibition Catalog, Rochester Museum and Science Center, 1983)

    Author: Rettew, Gayle A., Siener, William H. & Wass, Janice Tauer

    ISBN: N/A

    Membership Required, Books, Samplers

     Available

    Add to cart
  • “Industry and Virtue Joined”: Schoolgirl Needlework of Northern New England

    Author: Raiselis, Tara Vose & Rounds, Leslie L.

    ISBN: 9781621377504

    Membership Required, Books, Samplers

     Available

    Add to cart
  • “Oooooh”: The Essentials of Ribbon Needlepoint with River Silks 100% Silk Ribbon

    Author: Krynicki, Paul F.

    ISBN: N/A

    Ribbon Embroidery, Membership Required, Books

     Available

    Add to cart
  • “Rotographics”: Greetings for Holidays and Other Occasions

    Author: Altherr, Ilse

    ISBN: N/A

    Embroidery Crafts, Membership Required, Books

     Available

    Add to cart
  • “So Education forms the Mind”: Early Female Education in New Jersey with Special Emphasis on Needlework Instruction

    Author: Campanelli, Dan & Marty

    ISBN: N/A

    Membership Required, Books, Samplers

     Available

    Add to cart
  • “To the Glory of God” Vestment Exhibition (Embroidery Festival: The Abbey Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Tewkesbury, 1994)

    Author: Tewkesbury Abbey

    ISBN: N/A

    Membership Required, Books, Ecclesiastical

     Available

    Add to cart
  • “Youth is the Time For Progress”: The Importance of American Schoolgirl Art 1780-1860

    Author: Graffam, Olive Blair

    ISBN: N/A

    Membership Required, Books, Samplers

     Available

    Add to cart
  • #3 Needlework Tips for the Novice and Expert

    Author: Rodgers, Sandy

    ISBN: 0964908115

    Membership Required, Books, General

     Available

    Add to cart