Cotsen Children's Library

Cotsen Children's Library

Firestone Library
One Washington Road
Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
(609) 258-1148
The Cotsen Children's Library is a very special library within the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at Princeton University Library. Our international research collection of illustrated children's books, manuscripts, original artwork, prints, and educational toys from the 15th century to the present day is the benefaction of Lloyd E. Cotsen '50. The Cotsen Children's Library also has a public face, serving as a resource for children, families, and educators in the greater Princeton area.

Our Collections

Princeton University Library Collection of Mary Shepard and P. L. Travers Materials, 1900s (mostly 1960-1996)

A collection of correspondence, sketches, proofs, notes, personal writing, photographs, and legal documents related to the life and careers of P. L. Travers (1899-1996) and Mary Shepard (1909-2000).
Collection ID: COTSEN2

Lloyd E. Cotsen Collection of Potter Family Photographs, 1865-1935

This collection consists primarily of photographs taken by Rupert Potter (1832-1914), father of children's book author Beatrix Potter (1866-1944). It includes many portraits of Beatrix, of family members, and of friends. In addition, the collection includes studio portraits of Potter family members taken by various commercial photographers; a few photographs taken by Beatrix as aids for illustration; and photographs of animals and farmsteads in the Lake District related to Beatrix Potter Heelis' career as sheep farmer and land preservationist from the 1910s to 1940s.
Collection ID: COTSEN5

Lloyd E. Cotsen Papers, 1949-2021

The Lloyd E. Cotsen Papers consist of papers and personal items of Lloyd Cotsen's related to his time as an executive at Neutrogena Corporation, his art and book collection practices, his philanthropic contributions, his archaeological interests, and photographs shot by Cotsen. Items related to the production of Cotsen Occasional Press publications are also included. Material dates from 1949 to 2021.
Collection ID: COTSEN6

Mary Chrystie Papers, 1830s-1840s (mostly 1833-1841)

A collection of letters and other writings written principally by Mary Chrystie, but also other members of Chrystie/Few family, mostly from the 1830s through 1840s. Mary Chrystie is a pious, intelligent, chatty, and wealthy young lady from Fishkill Landing, New York. Unfortunately Mary dies at the early age of 17 from tuberculosis in Nice, France.
Collection ID: COTSEN1

Princeton University Library Collection of Children's Publishers' and Retailers' Catalogs, circa 1913-2015

Advertising material, mostly catalogs, from publishers and sellers of children's books, toys and educational products.
Collection ID: COTSEN3
Collection ID: COTSEN4