Children’s Literature Collection in the CMU Libraries
I love what Sasha Salmina, an illustrator, says: “A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.” Here in the Central Michigan University Libraries, we have a large selection of books meant for both children and young adults to read and become good thinkers as they grow up.
Our children’s collection consists of classics, picture books, fantasy, contemporary fiction, graphic novels, and science fiction as well as nonfiction including books on scientific wonders, geographical marvels, biographies, landmark events in world history, race relations, civics, and other subjects that can help enlighten young minds.
Celebrated works of fiction from J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland, E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, anthologies of fairy tales from around the world, an ancient oral collection of South Asian animal stories called the Panchatantra to contemporary classics such as Harry Potter books, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, Judy Blume’s Just as Long as We’re Together, An Na’s A Step from Heaven and The Place between Breaths, Peter Parnell’s And Tango Makes Three are just a few examples that have enriched our children’s literature collection.
We have several collections of children’s literature held mainly in two different locations, the University Library and the Clarke Historical Library. Located on the 4th floor of the University Library, the Betty A. McDonald Children’s Literature Collection holds fiction and nonfiction books and award-winning titles of prestigious children’s literature prizes such as the Caldecott, Newbery, and Coretta Scott King. On the other hand, the Clarke houses historical and rare children’s books produced from the 1600s through today including early children’s readers, picture books, and popup and moveable books; the Lucile Clarke Memorial Children’s Library donated by Dr. Norman Clarke; a collection of original art published in children’s books; and other best books published internationally in several languages. Of note is a rare first edition copy of Alice in Wonderland. What a treasure!
While readers can check out books from the University Library, they can read the Clarke’s collection of rare books only in the Clarke’s reading room. The collections support courses taught mainly in the departments of English and Education, but community users are very welcome to enjoy our delightful books!
(Illustration by Tenniel, John. Alice in Wonderland. Macmillan, 1866.)