- Libraries list
- Accounts list
The Barbara S. Miller Collection is a collaboration between the University Libraries and the College of Education and Human Development, and supports the teaching and research needs of faculty and students in related fields. It is comprised of works of fiction and non-fiction for all ages, from young children to young adults, with an emphasis on fiction for young and middle-grade children. These books acknowledge and celebrate differences -- including race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, and religion -- and efforts are also made to identify and purchase materials written by diverse authors. This collection also supports the University’s commitment to building an inclusive educational community that encourages all to achieve their highest potential without fear of prejudice or bias.
Barbara Simmons Miller (1909-2000) had a shining career as a librarian-educator. At Louisville Free Public Library, she served as Children’s Librarian at the Western Branch, and later as the Coordinator of Children’s Services. She served on the faculty at Spalding University, Louisville Municipal College, the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. She was also well known as the “Storytelling Lady” on the popular local children’s television show, T-Bar-V Ranch on WHAS television.
After her official retirement in 1978, Ms. Miller’s advocacy for children’s literacy and storytelling continued. Among many accomplishments, she served on the committees for the prestigious Newberry and Caldecott Children’s Book Awards. In 1979, she was one of four United States librarians who were delegates to the USSR to study library services for children in Moscow and Kiev. Narrative and photographic materials documenting this trip are available for viewing by appointment in the Barbara Simmons Miller papers in the University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections.
Barbara Miller was a tireless volunteer and energetic civic leader, serving on more than ten different Boards including the J. B. Speed Art Museum, Kentucky Opera, Louisville Theatrical Association, African American Heritage Foundation and the Advisory Committee of the Louisville Free Public Library.
The most enjoyable way to view the collection is to browse it!
The Multicultural Children's Literature Collection is located on the third floor of the Ekstrom Library in the East Wing.
To search the collection online start at our library catalog WorldCat Discovery.
Sample search:
To see all books in the collection sorted by newest, type "b8:multicultural" in the search box, sort by "Date (Newest First)", and limit to Ekstrom Library. Right-click the screenshot below and open in a new tab for a clearer image.en the image in a new tab to see a larger version.
"b8:" is the search label for a shelving location.
