What Shall We Read To The Children: Treasure's from the Hunt Collection of Children's Literature
Chicken WorldThe Farm BookPocahontas and Capt. John SmithThe Railroad BookThe Seashore Book

 

About the Hunt Collection of Children's Literature

The Hunt Collection consists of approximately 7,000 juvenile books, pamphlets, and periodicals dating back to the 1740s and concluding with materials published in the 1950s, including some first editions. Included are classic children's literary texts, of special limited and illustrated editions, and books written and/or illustrated by people affiliated with Brooklyn at some point in their career. In addition, the collection includes fiction, picture books, poetry and anthologies, a strong international fairy and folk tale section, some textbooks and primers, some miniatures, and other assorted materials. The “Old Juvenile” part of the collection consists of approximately 4,500 items dating from the 1740s throughout the very early decades of the 1900s.

The Hunt Collection was established as a memorial to Clara Whitehill Hunt, the first Superintendent of Work with Children for the Brooklyn Public Library system from 1903 through 1940. Ms. Hunt was a significant figure in the development of modern American libraries and is especially important historically for her work in the field of library services to children. In addition to overseeing Brooklyn Public Library’s overall services to children and providing the vision behind the design of the Central Children’s Room and the Brownsville Children’s Branch (the very first in the world to be planned and built solely for service to children), Ms. Hunt was a prolific author of children’s books. She served as the Chair for the first Newbery Committee, 1921-1922. During her years with the Brooklyn Public Library, Ms. Hunt consistently devoted her special time and attention to issues regarding the acquisition and preservation of children’s library materials.

Using the Hunt Collection

Materials in the Hunt Collection are available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Brooklyn Collection, at: (718) 230-2762; [email protected].


 

 


 

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