One of the highlights of 2018 was commemorating the 15 Year Anniversary of the Reinberger Children’s Library Center and the 10 Year Anniversary of the Marantz Picturebook Collection. Guests gathered on the Kent State campus in the Student Center Ballroom at the start of November to learn more about this incredible collection and to hear from noted artists and authors in the field.
As the snow fell softly outside the Kent State Library, these anniversary milestones were celebrated with three distinguished children’s book illustrators including Will Hillenbrand, author of “Snowman’s Story.” Hillenbrand, the award-winning author/illustrator of more than 60 children’s picture books, was joined on stage by four-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor, Floyd Cooper, and two-time Caldecott winner Chris Raschka.
These distinguished artists gave illuminating and entertaining presentations on their influences and how they work as well as discussing the magic of illustrating picture books. Cooper even provided a live demonstration of his work while Hillenbrand narrated a video that walked through how he created the character and story for one of his most beloved books. Hillenbrand, illustrator and author in residence at the iSchool, was introduced by Susan Marantz, daughter of the late Ken and Sylvia Marantz whose collection represents their lifelong dedication to picturebook art and its place in children’s literature.
Guests met the artists after dinner and their presentations and were able to purchase books as well as have them signed by the artists. Also available were deluxe gift packages that contained autographed copies of “Snowman’s Story,” a limited edition numbered and signed Hillenbrand print, and a scarf designed and made on campus in the TechStyle lab at the Fashion Museum and featuring the titular snowman. If you'd like one of these limited edition gift packages, they are available to donors here.