Tucked into a corner of the third floor of the “old” wing of the Library is a clean, bright, yet unassuming reading room. However, if you continue through a small labyrinth of doorways, you’ll discover one of the most renowned collections of children’s and young adult literature in the United States.

The Arne Nixon Center for the Study of Children’s Literature [ANC] is a research center and special collection of over 70,000 books, periodicals, manuscripts, original art, and papers of authors and illustrators. The center continues to grow in its emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

Taylor Petersen is the collection management specialist for the ANC, charged with acquiring new materials, developing collection programs, and working with teaching faculty and researchers using the Center.

Let’s catch up with Taylor and the ANC!

In one word, describe your present condition.
BUSY!

In one sentence, what’s going on in the Arne Nixon Center world?
We are focusing on reorganizing, growing our collection and getting the word out about our services.

With no restrictions on content or form, describe what excites you about your work at the Arne Nixon Center.
I am so fortunate to manage a center with such a great reputation. Arne was such a force in the world of children’s literature and it shows by the number of folks who want to help contribute to his legacy. In just five months, we have had over 250 visitors to the center, five classes, one event (with more on the schedule) and a handful of book donations. Our community wants to be a part of this amazing thing that Arne Nixon started. People who knew Arne still rave about what an amazing storyteller he was and express their passion for keeping his legacy alive. I am very proud to be a part of such a successful center and thankful for its many supporters.

What are some ways that faculty and staff at Fresno State can benefit from the Arne Nixon Center?
Faculty and staff can bring their classes to the ANC for a library instruction session, a tour or just to browse our collection. We have materials that align with curriculum/coursework in the English department, the theatre department, the education department and the art and design department. Folks can use the center for academic or personal research purposes. We are a special collection, therefore we have books and materials representative of different time periods. Please feel free to stop by or reach out to us with any questions!

What is your favorite service or resource at the Arne Nixon Center, and why?
I am always so eager to brag about our collections. We house the largest collection of LGBTQ children’s and young adult literature in the nation and the largest known collection of cat books in any library. We also have books representing over 60 world languages. We have rare books and materials, signed books, signed illustrations and original art pieces. These are certainly pride points for the ANC, and we always mention their importance to our visitors.

What’s next for the Arne Nixon Center in the Fresno State Library?
Of course we will continue to assist students, faculty and the community with their research needs. Aside from that, we would love to bring back some of the programs historically done in the center before COVID, such as reinstituting research fellowships, hosting more events and bringing back the ANC newsletter are all on our radar.