Marantz Picturebook Collection for the Study of Picturebook Art
The Marantz Picturebook Collection for the Study of Picturebook Art in the Reinberger Children's Library Center was dedicated in December 2008. A gift from Ken and Sylvia Marantz, the collection represents their lifelong commitment to the study of picturebook art and its significance in children's literature.
The collection, cataloged by illustrator, includes more than 25,000 picture books from the past 40 years, as well as posters, original artwork, and character toys, all of which are now artistically and functionally displayed in the new facility.
Thanks to a generous $249,000 grant from the Reinberger Foundation of Cleveland, the Marantz Picturebook Collection occupies 1,800 square feet of newly renovated space and features compact shelving, display areas for rare books and collections, distance learning classroom, storytime area, and private study locations.
Special Research Collections
Since its 2008 opening, the Marantz collection has grown to include the following special research collections:
- Carol G. Davis Pop-Up Collection featuring over 600 pop-ups and movable books
- A nearly complete set of Caldecott winners and honor books
- Newbery books, 1922 to present
- Buckeye Children’s Book Award Collection and Archives (a “Children’s Choice” Award)
- Ohio Collection
- A substantial collection of books and two original pieces by Maurice Sendak
- Pris and J. Dub’s Historical Book Nook including a collection of folklore, fairytales, chapbooks and hornbooks
- May Hill Arbuthnot's books
- Books and materials related to Alma Flor Ada's research
- Books and ephemera that belonged to Virginia Hamilton
- Margaret Alexander Beatrix Potter collection of first edition books and figurines
- Original picturebook art by renowned illustrators and artists
- Reference books and literary criticism related to picture book and literature for young people
- Selected works on classroom programming and storytelling
- A digital lab to explore picture books in new formats
- Realia (toys, puppets, models, dioramas, games, and manipulatives to extend and enhance literature)
- Multimedia (audiobooks, CDs, DVD, and computer programs)
- Darwin Henderson’s framed and autographed posters