Event postponed

Children’s Literature Lecture with Cynthia Leitich Smith: Regrettably, the event has been postponed until fall 2026. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

About the event

Join the Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature for an evening with author Cynthia Leitich Smith. Together we’ll celebrate her talent, creativity, and commitment to amplifying Native American and Indigenous voices in children’s literature.

This event is free and open to all. Please register to join us on April 9 in person or online. The program begins at 6 p.m. Central Time.

About the lecture

The Kerlan Collection is thrilled to welcome the 2026 Children’s Literature Lecture to the University of Minnesota. This annual lecture series is sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association.

About the Kerlan Collection

The mission of the Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota is to collect, preserve, and make accessible the rich history and artistry of children’s literature for a diverse and global audience of researchers, students, and enthusiasts. This renowned collection serves as a vital international resource, dedicated to illuminating the creative process behind children’s books.

Event details

Event: Children’s Literature Lecture with Cynthia Leitich Smith
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. | The program begins at 6 p.m. | Reception and book signing, 7–8 p.m.
Location: This hybrid event takes place in person at Elmer L. Andersen Library and ONLINE