The Bleat - West Library Blog

Archives and Special Collections spotlight: The Cindy Potter Children's Literature Collection

Cindy Potter, who was the previous director of the Eunice and James West Library, donated a series of vintage children's books to the University Archives and Special Collections.  Sorted by subject, the collection contains 79 volumes, including but not limited to:

• A children's primer from 1939
• The same Little Golden Book "The New Baby" from 1948 and 1979, showing the cultural shifts of the nuclear family
• Books about dads from 1949 and 2001, showing different views about dads 50 years apart
• A multicultural feminist children's book from 1973
• A book focusing on a Hispanic family
• Books covering more serious topics like moving to a new home and a parent losing their job
• A book called Space Cat with the most adorable space-age illustrations ever, in this author's opinion.

These books cover a wide variety of topics from Activity Books and Auto Trips to Workers and Walking Around Town.  They also show the cultural norms, fashion and art style of the period and how it evolves and changes, from 1939 to 2001.  

If you would like to make an appointment to come view any of these children's books, please email our Special Collections department.  We would be happy to have you!