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.

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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.

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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Give to the collection

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