Rancho Mirage based novelist Michael Craft has generously donated his papers and professional archive to the UCR Library’s Special Collections department.

Craft has published 14 novels, including the highly acclaimed Mark Manning mystery series, three of which were honored as finalists for the Gay Men’s Mystery genre by the Lambda Literary Awards (Name Games in 2001, Boy Toy in 2002, and Hot Spot in 2003).

University Librarian Steven Mandeville-Gamble recently discovered Craft’s works, read every single book, enjoyed them immensely, and purchased a complete, partially autographed set for our Special Collections and University Archives.

Mandeville-Gamble and Director of Distinctive Collections Cherry Williams both felt that Craft’s papers would be an excellent addition to the library’s collections, expanding the list of notable authors’ papers that we currently hold while also diversifying the collection into a different and very interesting genre.

"Over the years, I'd been building a private archive of correspondence and such related to my writing, wondering what would become of it. So when UCR reached out, asking if I would consider donating my professional papers, it was an easy answer: an instant yes,” Craft said. “I’m truly honored to join the company of noted authors who are archived in the University of California’s library system.”

“The UCR Library is honored that Michael Craft has chosen UCR as the home for his literary papers,” Mandeville-Gamble added. “As a multiple award-nominated author of mystery fiction set in Chicago, Wisconsin, and the Coachella Valley, having his papers come to UCR helps ensure that the UCR Library is a key partner in preserving the cultural and literary history of the Inland Southern California region and in documenting the creative output of the people of this unique region.”