The Selima Room is a collection of books, periodicals and clippings pertaining to thoroughbred breeding and racing, with special emphasis on Maryland's contributions to the sport. The room takes its name from Selima, an English mare imported to Maryland in the 1750's, who once roamed and grazed the grounds where the Bowie Branch Library, home of the Selima Room, now stands. This collection is one of the very few horse racing and breeding libraries housed in a public library in this country and perhaps in the world.

Collection Highlights

Stud books (American, English and French), Racing Calendars (English) and Racing Manuals (American) form the historical core of the collection with supplemental volumes covering genetics, breeding management, veterinary medicine, great racehorses, successful jockeys and outstanding trainers. Some of the latter include individual titles on famous horses such as Secretariat, Man o' War and Seabiscuit; compilations such as Racing In America and biographies of the Earl of Derby and Matt Winn.

Magazines range from Blood-Horse to Practical Horseman and include Chronicle of the Horse and Hoofbeats. Two years each of the Daily Racing Form and thoroughbred Times are also kept.

The pamphlet file consists of booklets, clippings and other ephemera dealing with horse racing and breeding, particularly as it pertains to Thoroughbreds and Maryland. Other equine aspects are not neglected as there are folders for other horse breeds such as Appaloosas and Quarter Horses and other sports such as harness racing and polo.

The main users of this collection are thoroughbred breeders, owners and trainers, but jockeys, equine studies students and 4-H members as well as general race goers and horse lovers will find something of interest in the Selima Room.