Retired librarian Mayme Clayton, 78, began building her idiosyncratic collection of African American books and collectibles in the 1970s and is working with her son to find it a new home. (CLARENCE WILLIAMS / LAT)
This movie poster is included in the collection’s 20,000 pieces. Also among the pieces: 500 films, 300 videos and a signed 1773 copy of a book by an ex-slave, the first book published by an African American. (CLARENCE WILLIAMS / LAT)
Clayton’s collection includes an announcement of a slave sale in 1859. (CLARENCE WILLIAMS / LAT)
Autographed print of A. Phillip Randolph, who fought for African American rights, is in the collection. (CLARENCE WILLIAMS / LAT)
Stereo daguerreotype, an early form of photography, dated 1897 is among pieces owned by Mayme Clayton. (CLARENCE WILLIAMS / LAT)
