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Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books


The Lillian H. Smith Collection

Established in 1962 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the inauguration of children's libraries in Toronto by this distinguished pioneer. It comprises creative books of literary and artistic merit, published in English since 1910, including picture books, fairy tales, fiction and poetry. The collection includes manuscripts, letters and book related original art together with extensive resource material.

Tony Sarg's surprise book: look, listen, smell, taste and feel: open this book - it will open your eyes - for each of your senses it brings a surprise! New York, 1941.
Tony Sarg's surprise book: look, listen, smell, taste and feel: open this book - it will open your eyes - for each of your senses it brings a surprise! New York, 1941.


Among notable holdings are:

  • early and first editions of many modern children's classics
  • manuscripts and archival materials pertaining to a number of authors, including Susan Cooper and Kevin Crossley-Holland
  • original book related art by many illustrators including Margaret Bloy Graham, Marcia Brown, Edward Ardizzone and Maurice Sendak
  • early and modern movable books



The Polar Animals. Milano [Italy], Nardi Fratelli, [ca. 1930].


The Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books
The Lillian H. Smith branch, Toronto Public Library
239 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R5
Canada

Mon. - Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-5

Phone: 416-393-7753
Fax: 416-393-7635

Email: Leslie McGrath - lmcgrath@torontopubliclibrary.ca

The Osborne Collection Events & Exhibits
The Canadiana Collection Children's Books History Society
Friends Groups Finding Aids
Merchandise and Mail Order Form Osborne Cataloguing Project
Virtual Donor Wall    



Updated On: October 10, 2007




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