: For Students, Faculty, and Staff
Fine Books & Collections recently shared the news of the gift to endow the Kerlan Collection curatorial position.
The $2 million gift is the largest donation by first-time donors in the 155-year history of the University of Minnesota Libraries. The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature is an internationally recognized children’s literature library and archive open to the public which holds more than 100,000 children’s books, original manuscripts, correspondence, artworks, galleys, color proofs, and other material for more than 1,700 authors and illustrators.
The gift comes from San Francisco bibliophiles Cathy and Glen Miranker who have a passion for children’s books, libraries, and Sherlock Holmes.
“We believe reading and listening to children’s books is more than a pastime,” the couple said, “it’s a lifeline to a better future for kids and to a more caring, imaginative society.”
Lisa Von Drasek, the Miranker Family Curatorial Chair of the Kerlan Collection, said: “It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Miranker Family Endowed Curatorial Chair ensures that the Kerlan will always have a librarian archivist with a background in children’s literature, child development, literacy, and have a practice in teaching and learning.”
