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The World of Literature Travels To New Jersey Libraries

The International Youth Literature Collection (IYLC) curates children’s and young adult books—both translated and in their original language—that celebrate writing, visual style, and design from outside of this country. The collection of more than 1,000 books in print is permanently housed on the third floor of the Alexander Library at Rutgers University.

The IYLC is now launching a traveling collection that libraries may borrow. The sample collection invites libraries and the communities they serve to feature and display literature for children and young adults throughout the world. Participating public libraries have an opportunity to exhibit a curated sample of IYLC books that reflect a wide variety of cultures and peoples. The collection allows libraries to open the eyes and minds of all their patrons, particularly children and teenagers, to the riches of world literature.

The Traveling Collection includes:

  • Books representing a variety of languages from multiple continents.
  • Bibliographies of additional books from the collection that can be requested through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).
  • A press kit for libraries with information about sharing world literature with their communities.
  • Program ideas for sharing global literature.
Curator Tao Yang and Marc Aronson show off the collection at Alexander Library.

Marc Aronson and Tao Yang are photographed in the Archibald S. Alexander Library Tuesday, December 12, 2023. (Photo/Mel Evans)

A Selection of Books in the Traveling Collection

Nichijō 01 / My Ordinary Life

Nichijō 01 / My Ordinary Life

Country of Origin: Japan
Creator: Keiichi Arawi
Summary: This anime series follows the everyday lives of unique characters in the town of Tokisadame,
Major Award: Sixth Place Sugoi Japan Award

Con el Paso del Tiempo / As Time Went By

Con el Paso del Tiempo / As Time Went By

Country of Origin: Colombia
Creator: José Sanabria
Summary: A steamship journeys across time from luxury and exclusivity, industry, and abandonment, to stewardship and inclusion.
Major Awards: 2008 Hans Christian Andersen Award; 2017 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor book

Fast Facts

Requests: The Traveling Collection and literature from the IYLC may be requested through the Interlibrary Loan program of JerseyCat.

Access: Browsing the collection is possible during hours when the Alexander Library Circulation Desk is open.

More information: Check out its LibGuide.

IYLC Core Team: Marc Aronson, Associate Professor of Practice, Library and Information Science, School of Communication and Information; Doris Gebel, Course Instructor, Department of Library and Information Science, and international youth literature scholar; Tao Yang, Collection Curator and East Asian Librarian, Alexander Library