: For Students, Faculty, and Staff 
Largest gift by first time donors in U of M history establishes Kerlan chair
The $2 million donation safeguards Kerlan Collection’s future and inspires new fundraising
Glen and Cathy Miranker. (Photo/Carl Stover)
In May 2024, the Libraries received the largest gift by first-time donors in its 155-year history. The $2 million contribution establishes an endowed curatorial chair for the world-renowned Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature, which is home to original artwork and text for beloved classics like Goodnight Moon and Strega Nona, and much more.
The gift comes from a family of bibliophiles in San Francisco, Cathy and Glen Miranker, with a passion for children’s books, libraries, and Sherlock Holmes.
“We believe reading and listening to children’s books is more than a pastime — it’s a lifeline to a better future for kids and to a more caring, imaginative society,” the Mirankers said. “We are honored to support the collection and its dynamic curator, Lisa Von Drasek.” Von Drasek’s new title is Miranker Family Curatorial Chair for the Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Miranker Family Endowed Curatorial Chair ensures that the Kerlan will always have a librarian archivist with a background in children’s literature, child development, literacy, and have a practice in teaching and learning,” said Von Drasek.
“The Kerlan Collection is astounding,” the Mirankers said, “with unrivaled holdings, a commitment to access and outreach, and deep connections with the writers and artists engaged in the single-most important area of publishing — children’s literature. We also anticipate that our gift will be a game-changer for the whole UMN library system by igniting new and creative fundraising efforts.”
“We are so grateful to Cathy and Glen — for the gift and for this partnership, which will advance the Kerlan for years to come,” said Lisa German, University Librarian and Dean of Libraries.
German said that the Libraries will use this gift to demonstrate the positive impact of philanthropy and to inspire excitement and additional support for the Kerlan and other special collections at the Libraries.
About The Kerlan
Original cover artwork illustration for “Goodnight Moon”
The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature stands at the forefront of children’s literature archives worldwide. An internationally recognized children’s literature library and archive, The Kerlan holds more than 100,000 children’s books, original manuscripts, correspondence, artworks, galleys, color proofs, and other material for more than 1,700 authors and illustrators. Open to the public, The Kerlan is a rich resource for researchers, educators, families, and all who love children’s literature.
Albert Einstein said “the only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” The Mirankers would add that they “absolutely know that the Kerlan is the best location in the world of children’s literature.”