Are you an Education major who needs to find a children’s book for class? Do you have a small child or sibling who needs something to do while you study? If so, there is a great new resource on the third floor of the John H. Esch Library.

According to Director of Library Services Ann Penke, 854 children’s books have been added to the library since the end of the 2010 school year.

Former Professor of Education Eileen Hilke taught a children’s literature class on campus and donated the books when she retired. She also donated a red children’s table and four chairs that are red, blue, green, and yellow, as well as a few stuffed animals for children to play with. She also donated a small, red, green, yellow, and blue bookshelf for large books.

The books range from the classics to newer works for all ages. A few titles include Franklin, Arthur, Boxcar Children, Little Rabbit Foo Foo, and Judy Blume stories. The genres include mysteries, educational, cultural, and fantasy. There are even a few nonfiction stories for children to look at and read, plus many child-friendly picture books. The majority of them were published within the last three years.

The books can be checked out for up to four weeks and are available to other schools through the Easicat program.

Penke hopes the donation will provide another resource for education majors or other students in similar classes, as well as those who have children.

Penke would also like to extend a thank you to Eileen for “her generous donation to the library.”