The Archives and Special Collections is celebrating its expansive collection of chapbooks! On January 17^th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on the first floor of Bracken Library in the Schwartz Digital Complex, University Libraries will host “Not Your Average Storytime”, a presentation focusing on the historical relevancy of 19^th century chapbooks and their connections to modern children’s literature. The event is free and all ages are welcome! There will even be a craft for kids to take part in.

Chapbooks can be traced as far back to the 16^th century, but chapbooks became their most recognized form in the 19^th century: short, cheaply made booklets containing children’s stories and morality tales.  The Ball State University Archives and Special Collections have 173 historic chapbooks in its holdings, all of which highlight the cultural and moral attitudes of 19^th century England and United States. Much of this collection was donated by Elisabeth Ball, the daughter of George A. Ball of the famous Ball Brothers, as part of a children’s literature collection.  Elisabeth was a lover of books, arts, travel, and dolls. She built her chapbook collection with great care and attention, eventually donating them to the Archives and Special Collections.  In the spirit of the preservation of chapbooks, an additional 50 chapbooks were purchased through the Martin and Helen Schwartz Fund.

Amy Petts, Associate Dean for Strategic Engagement and Learning, and Lindsey Vesperry, Digital and Physical Records Archivist, will delve into the fascinating legacy of chapbooks. During this presentation, attendees will hear about the history of chapbooks, learn about their connection to the genre of children’s literature, and see comparisons between chapbooks and contemporary children’s books.  In addition to the presentation, visitors can view some items from the chapbook collection in the Archives and Special Collections and learn how to make their own chapbooks with Amy Trendler, Architecture Librarian. Cookies and coffee will also be available.

All chapbooks in the Archives and Special Collections have been digitized and made available in the Digital Media Repository: https://dmr.bsu.edu/digital/collection/chapbks.  Chapbooks are also available upon request to view in the Archives and Special Collections reading room, located in Bracken Library Room 210.