Explore The Kerlan

The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature is available to anyone with a desire to explore, discover, and learn. Moreover, The Kerlan “is the only university collection of children’s literature and children’s book illustrations to offer such thoughtful and thorough access to its collection,” says illustrator Barbara McClintock.

Visit in person

The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature is located in Elmer L. Andersen Library at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus: 222 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55455.

For questions or to make an appointment please call us at 612-624-4576 or send an email to asc-clrc@umn.edu.

Visit online

Online exhibits

Through its online exhibits, the Kerlan provides its materials and expertise to researchers, students, and teachers around the world. These curated exhibits feature a range of topics related to the history and creation of children’s literature.

The Kerlan Blog

Kerlan Curator Lisa Von Drasek regularly writes behind-the-scenes blog posts that convey her unique insights into the magic of The Kerlan.

The Kerlan Videos

Featured in the Kerlan Videos are the Andrea Davis Pinkney Rejoice the Legacy exhibit, Kate D’Camillo’s 2013 Kerlan Award presentation; a tribute to Goodnight Moon, a feature on Melissa Sweet’s artwork for the non-fiction picture book, Balloons Over Broadway, and more.

Kerlan Publications

The Kerlan publications include digital and teaching resources, The ABC of It: Why Children’s Books Matter, Writing Boxes: The Reading/Writing Connection in Libraries, and The Kerlan Collection newsletter.

Search The Kerlan

To search the Kerlan, you can use:

  • Collection guides, which 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.
  • Images and other digital materials, including photos, maps, films and videos, audio tapes, rare volumes and publications, and select items from archival collections.
  • The Libraries catalog, which includes information about rare and special books, periodicals, and other publications held by the Children’s Literature Research Collections.
Search The Kerlan