The Center for Children’s Literature at Carthage College is a nationally recognized collection that informs and inspires educators, parents, college students and librarians to develop a love of reading in children.

The Center regularly exhibits original work by children's book authors and illustrators, including draft revisions and manuscripts. Read about a recent exhibit.

The center, located on the first floor of Carthage’s Hedberg Library, has more than 25,000 recent children’s and young adult titles for kindergarten through high school. Nearly 2,500 new volumes are added each year.

The center hosts workshops, organizes reading programs, and sponsors lectures and seminars by noted authors and illustrators. Past visiting authors have included Graeme Base, Lois Ehlert, Candy Fleming, Florence Parry Heide, Barbara Joosse, Lois Lowry, Gerald Morris, and Eric Rohmann. Reviews of recent children’s books are regularly posted on the web site for parents and educators.

The collection is available in Hedberg Library during regular library hours. Join the Friends of the Center and receive a special library card to borrow specific volumes, as well as other privileges.

Remembering Florence Parry Heide

Carthage remembers Florence Parry Heide, a beloved children's author who lived in Kenosha most of her life. Florence Parry Heide passed away on Oct. 23, 2011. Read more.