The Children's Literature Research Collections

Welcome

The Children's Literature Research Collections, home of the Kerlan Collection, holds books, manuscripts, illustrations, comic books, story papers, and other materials related to the creation of historical and modern children's literature, including manuscripts and original artwork. Find information on upcoming Kerlan events on our events page.

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The Kerlan Collection Endowed Chair Fund

$2 million contribution safeguards Kerlan Collection’s future and inspires new fundraising
On Oct. 15, 2024, the University of Minnesota Libraries announced the largest gift by first-time donors in its history. The $2 million contribution establishes an endowed curatorial chair for the world-renowned Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature, which is home to original artwork and text for beloved classics like Goodnight Moon and Strega Nona, and much more.

The gift comes from a family of bibliophiles in San Francisco, Cathy and Glen Miranker, with a passion for children’s books, libraries, and Sherlock Holmes.

More about this donation and its impact

To help ensure that the Kerlan Collection of Children's Literature remains at the forefront of children's literature archives worldwide, please consider a gift to the Kerlan Collection Endowed Chair Fund.

Give now

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Digital and teaching resources

Unable to visit the library in person? Explore our online resources and curated digital exhibits.

Black, white, and pink artwork from the page of a graphic novel, featuring a mouse in a tiara and skirt

Digital exhibits

Our curated digital exhibits bring children's literature into your home or classroom.

Collage of children's book illustrations with the text "The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter"

The ABC of It exhibit catalog

The catalog for our 2019 exhibit, curated by Leonard Marcus, may be purchased from the University of Minnesota Press or downloaded for free on the Libraries' Publishing Services page.

Engraved 19th century illustration of women racing a sleigh

UMedia

A limited amount of our materials have been scanned and made available to the public on the University of Minnesota's UMedia Archive. Browse our collection materials on their website.

Illustration of a young girl covered in a floral bedspread hugging a teddy bear

The Kerlan blog

Read curator Lisa Von Drasek's latest children's book reviews and blog posts.

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Explore the CLRC

Learn more about our collections, upcoming events, and additional ways to support the work of the CLRC and the Kerlan Collection.

Partial image of the Amazing Spider-Man: Wakanda Forever variant edition, featuring a woman looking out menancingly, holding weapons.

Learn about our collections

Learn about the many exciting collections housed at the CLRC, including the world-famous flagship Kerlan Collection, the Hess Collection (containing story papers, dime novels, and pulps), the Borger Comic Book Collection, and others.

Pencil sketch of a frog wearing an old-fashioned striped bathing costume, looking glum

Search the collections

Search the Libraries catalog, and view a list of archival collections, including original manuscripts and artwork held by the CLRC.

Collage illustration of raccoon holding onto a branch loaded with red berries.

Events and news

Learn more about upcoming events, read our newsletter, and explore other related resources.

Illustration study of two young children sitting on a log with their heads in their hands.

Fund your research

Interested in researching at the CLRC? Learn about funding opportunities for visiting, available to scholars and children's book creators.

Watercolor illustration of elephant-shaped balloon float

Contact us

For general reference inquiries or appointment requests please contact asc-clrc@umn.edu.

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Search collections

Collection guides
Use collection guides (or finding aids) that describe a collection of archival records, personal papers, or manuscripts to locate material for your research. The guide may be a brief summary or a detailed description and inventory.
Digital collections
Search digitized images, maps, films and videos, audio tapes, rare volumes and publications, and select items from archival collections.
Libraries catalog
Explore the University of Minnesota Libraries catalog for information about rare and special books, periodicals, and other publications held by the Children's Literature Research Collections.

For more information on finding materials in the Children's Literature Research Collections, including a list of archival collection guides for materials held in the Kerlan Collection, visit the search our collections page.

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Visit

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Note: Appointments are required to visit the reading room within these hours.
More Andersen Library hours

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Give to the collection

Kerlan Collection Endowed Chair Fund

The Kerlan is a leading collection of contemporary children’s literature. Learn more about how you can support the future of the collection with your gift to the Endowed Chair Fund. 

Kerlan Friends

Learn more becoming a member of Kerlan Friends with an annual donation to support the mission and work of the Kerlan Collection.

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