The first 15 members of the Caxton Club assembled in January 1895. This group of bibliophiles has since grown to a collection of over 300 members. They are categorized as either resident, nonresident (someone living 50 miles or more from Chicago), or a junior member. Applicants need to attend at least two Caxton Club meetings to be considered for nomination; if the applicant is a nonresident, one meeting is acceptable. Considered applicants have a love for books, are 21 years of age, met the meeting requirements, and are nominated by two current Caxton members. The applicant’s membership will be proposed to the Council by the Membership Committee and reviewed for acceptance to the club. Dues based on membership category are paid annually.

Located in this series is an all-time membership list of the Caxton Club as of 2015. Club nominations, member referrals, membership acceptance letters, manuscripts, newspaper clippings, resumes, obituaries, funeral programs, and direct correspondence from individual members. File name includes the year in which the member joined. Declined and rejected membership nominations follow individual member files. Membership rosters, directories, correspondence, and surveys are arranged by year.