Dr. Rose Berry Collection Showcases Children鈥檚 Literature and Creative Play
The Dr. Rose Berry Collection brings whimsy and literary history to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 Ottenheimer Library through a curated display of children鈥檚 books and creative artifacts.
The exhibit, located on the library鈥檚 fourth floor, features playful puppets and illustrated works inspired by Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, as well as Beatrix Potter and Hill Top: A National Treasure by Linda Lear. A commemorative plaque anchors the display, honoring Dr. Berry and her lasting impact on education and storytelling at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.
In addition to viewing the display, visitors can check out select books from the collection, allowing students, faculty, and community members to engage directly with the children鈥檚 literature that shaped Berry鈥檚 work.
Berry passed away in 2010, but her influence continues through her students and the creative spirit reflected in the collection.
鈥淭his collection is a reflection of the work she did with children,鈥� said Carol Macheak, collections management coordinator at Ottenheimer Library. 鈥淪he loved children and she loved children鈥檚 books. This just emphasizes that work and that love of educating children.鈥�
Berry founded the university鈥檚 Department of Elementary Education and served for many years as chair of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, playing a central role in developing teacher-preparation programs. During her 24 years at what was then Little Rock University and later 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, she became the first recipient of the university鈥檚 Outstanding Teaching Award in 1974, an honor later known as the Donaghey Outstanding Teacher Award. She was also named Arkansas Woman of the Year.
Known as a gifted storyteller, Berry brought literature to life through imaginative teaching and innovative outreach, including the 鈥淒ial-A-Story鈥� program, which allowed children to call in and listen to recorded stories.
The exhibit blends creativity, history, and education, reflecting Berry鈥檚 belief in the transformative power of books and the arts while inviting visitors to reconnect with the wonder of children鈥檚 literature.