Children's libraries serve as crucial educational and cultural institutions, fostering a love for reading and learning from a young age. Across different regions, these libraries have developed unique characteristics and missions. Two notable examples that highlight this diversity are the Montreal Children's Library and the Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University. While one focuses on community engagement and accessibility for local youth,
the other is a specialized research collection with a global scope, yet both contribute significantly to the world of children's literature and education.
The Montreal Children's Library: A Community Cornerstone
Established in 1929, the Montreal Children's Library holds a significant place in Canadian history as the first free children's library in Montreal catering to both English and French-speaking children. This pioneering effort was spearheaded by Elizabeth Murray, who believed every child deserved the opportunity to grow up with books, much like her own upbringing. Her initiative began when she learned that the Fraser Institute's librarian, M. de Crèvecoeur, had a children's reading section but lacked funds for books. Murray then collaborated with the Local Council (later the Montreal Council of Women), which formed a committee to establish the library.
Through a fundraising campaign, the committee secured $3000, leading to the opening of the room in the Fraser Institute in October 1929. It was made available to all girls and boys aged three to sixteen. Under the guidance of its first librarian, Violet McEwen, membership quickly grew to 208 children within its inaugural month. Today, located at 4121 42nd Rue in St. Michel, the Montreal Children's Library continues its mission as a public library and nonprofit organization, offering a wide array of free programs and activities for children aged 0-17, including parent-child story time, craft-making, reading circles, and a chess club. The library also extends its reach through various outreach projects, solidifying its role as a vital community resource.
The Cotsen Children's Library: A Global Research Treasure
In stark contrast to the community-focused public library model, the Cotsen Children's Library at Princeton University Library operates as a specialist library within the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. This institution is renowned for its international research collection, which spans from the 15th century to the present day. The collection, presented to the library by its owner, Lloyd E. Cotsen, in 1997, comprises illustrated children's books, manuscripts, original artwork, prints, and educational toys.
The Cotsen Children's Library houses an extraordinary array of materials in numerous languages, including English, Chinese, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, and Russian. Its treasures are diverse and historically significant, featuring an early-Coptic Christian schoolbook, medieval manuscripts, scrapbooks from Hans Christian Andersen, and drawings by prominent artists like Edward Lear and Beatrix Potter. The collection also includes early editions of classic fairy tales by Madame d’Aulnoy, Charles Perrault, and the Brothers Grimm, as well as a substantial collection of books published by John Newbery. Furthermore, it boasts unique holdings such as Soviet Constructivist children's books, American dime novels, moveable books, jigsaw puzzles, and educational playing cards. Notably, it holds the largest collection of Japanese children's books outside of Japan, with over 10,000 items, and the largest collection of Chinese children's books outside of China, exceeding 35,000 items, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers worldwide.
