By Carol Hinz
Editorial Director, Millbrook Press
This weekend, I attended a celebration commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Irvin Kerlan, a University of Minnesota graduate, worked as chief of medical research for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C. He began collecting children’s books after his doctor suggested that he needed a quiet hobby.
As part of the festivities, Leonard S. Marcus spoke about the research he has done for some of his books—research that has most definitely included visits to the Kerlan Collection.
As you would expect, the celebration also included a tasty cake and a chance for guests to tour an exhibit of items from the collection. These included a manuscript page from Dragons in the Waters by Madeline L’Engle:
The Kerlan Collection is a fascinating resource for anyone who loves children’s literature. If you live nearby or have an upcoming trip to the Twin Cities, it’s definitely worth a visit!