Little Golden Books and Beyond: Children’s Books in the University Library

A Special Presentation by
Nancy O'Brien
Education Librarian

The University Library holds the second-largest collection of children’s books in the United States, surpassed only by the Library of Congress. Dating from 1800 to the present, it provides a chronicle of children’s and young adult books and how they changed over time. The collection is used by students in the teacher education and library and information science programs who are planning to work with youth. Utilized as resources for literacy training, developing familiarity with multicultural resources, and credible information books, the collection also serves as a research source for scholars tracing the history and development of children’s literature. It is a nostalgic reminder of favorite childhood bedtime books, enthralling mystery series, and non-fiction books that encouraged careers in science, the arts, and other areas. 

Education Librarian Nancy O’Brien will talk about the collection (its history, what it contains, and who uses it) as well as share images. She will also briefly describe the complementary collection of schoolbooks from 1800 to the present.