About the Collections

Services

The Children's Literature Center is a part of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division

Digitized Children's Literature

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Part of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division, the Children’s Literature Center was founded in 1963 with the Congressional mandate to “provide reference services to government officials, librarians, publishers, writers and illustrators, and the general public.” Today, visitors and researchers from around the world use the Center’s services to gain access to the Library’s extensive collections of children’s literature and related materials. Visitors to the center are welcome. Inquiries can be made in person, by letter, phone, or online at Ask a Librarian. Researchers needing extensive assistance are encouraged to make an appointment before their visit. For group visits and book presentations, please call at (202) 707-5535. In the Center's Reading Room, a children's literature specialist offers research assistance, locates materials, and orients researchers to the Library's extensive resources. The Center houses a reference and a showcase collection of illustrated children's books. Visitors and their school-age children are welcome to the Center to see the smallest children's book in the world and other rare and special items.