The Eric Carle Museum and Me
If there is a mecca for children’s literature, a single place in the United States that can be cited as the pinacle of all things related to books for kids, maybe (just maybe) it’s the Eric Carle Museum. Hear me out on this one. It’s the only museum in the country named after a children’s book illustrator and it serves as a wonderful resource for displaying different aspects of picture book art. Granted it doesn’t work as much on literature from a chapter book or non-fiction perspective, but it’s nonetheless a go-to destination and the only center of its scope.
And I have never been. Because, dear readers, it is located in Amherst, Mass. Amherst. A place that is not New York.
Fortunately, I now have an excuse to travel Amherst-wards, and now you do too! Check out this event coming up next week:
Librarians’ Open House
May 22, 2008
3:00 to 5:30 pmAdmission Fee waived for Librarians for the entire day. Come early to browse the Museum.
(2 PDPs) Free materials for your libraries, afternoon refreshments, and 2 presentations — one with special guest librarian Betsy Bird of Fuse #8 fame, and the other with Megan Lambert, the Museum’s Instructor of Children’s Literature Programs.
Call (413) 658-1126 to register.
Event Schedule:
10:00 am to 3:00 pm – Come early to browse the Museum (Admission Fee waived for Librarians for the entire day.)
3:00 to 4:00 pm – Overview of the Museum’s Whole Book Approach with Megan Lambert
4:00 to 4:30 – Time to visit the Museum’s Barbara Elleman Research Library (BERL) and enjoy refreshments in the Café
4:30 to 5:30 pm – Presentation by special guest librarian, Betsy Bird of Fuse 8 fame
(Fame! I’m gonna live forever. I’m gonna learn how to fly. Fame! I’m really coming together. People will see me and die . . . . uh . . .)
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Ignore that part. The part you should be paying attention to is the "admission fee waived for librarians for the entire day". So not only would you get to see beautiful Amherst at the peak of the May season, but you would get to explore this magnificent center FREE for a whole day. And if you saw me talk too, I would appreciate it. I like it when people listen to me. Makes me feel seven kinds of special.
And can you say Kidlit Drink Night Amherst Style? Cause the aforementioned Megan Lambert is working up some magic of her own. Why not party it up with me? You know you wanna.
Now… does anyone know a sure-fire route from Manhattan to Amherst? Cause I’m driving (yay!) and I’ve ne’er been there before.
Adventure!
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About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
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Sounds really great, Betsy! I wish I could go. :o)
Betsy–Get on 95, then 91 north. Exit 19 in Mssachusetts, turn right and go over the bridge. First right after the bridge and stay on that road till you see a sign that says ERIC CARLE MUSEUM. Turn left and go, oh about three miles on that lovely winding road. On your left is a sign to the museum. Park You are there.
Will see you and give you the official Massachusetts welcome hug.
May not get to drink night as I am on granddaughter watch that evening.
JaneY
There’s the fantastic Mazza Museum for picture book art in Findlay, Ohio. They have a huge collection, including moi.
Enjoy Ahmerst, was there as faculty for a Children’s Lit conference at the University. Angels Jerry and Gloria Pinkney drove Dianne Hess and I almost all the way back to NYC. Pretty scenery for a car ride.
Oh, the nostalgia. I lived in Amherst for two years. That was ages ago, back when the U. Mass library was mostly closed to students and the base surrounded with bales of hay to protect from falling bricks. I have very fond memories of the library in the town though, which was a lovely, old-fashioned one with comfy arm-chairs for chilling in. Enjoy your visit!
Kidlit Drink Night in Amherst? Heaven! I’ll be there, even if Jane can’t be. Please keep the details coming. And, Betsy, welcome to our Valley! JeannieB
Oh man – you’re going to practically be in my backyard – unfortunately I will be landing from Texas that evening. The Monkey Bar is a great place in downtown Amherst. Sorry to miss the party!
Wow! Wow wow wow! Jeanne Birdsall! How very cool. And Jarrett, sorry I won’t get to see you, man. How many of you creative types live in that burg?
I vote for a kidlit drink night in Amherst! I recently relocated from Brooklyn before getting to attend any of the Manhattan ones!
It’s a mecca of us, though without Jarrett, the coolness factor will be low.
That’s my old stomping ground, Besty! I spent 4 years at UMass Amherst. If you are looking for a good place to host your DrinK Night- try the Amherst Brewing Company (ABC) in the center of town. If I wasn’t working, I’d totally be there! And check out Bart’s ice cream parlor. Mmmmmmmmmm……………
Yes, Amherst and the area has some of the coolest librarians and the lilacs are in bloom. Betsy, I hope to sneak in among the librarians and hear you speak.