By Jasmyne Ray
A true lover of children’s literature, Pat Scales has accumulated an impressive collection of children’s and young adult books over the years. Some of which, she has donated to the university’s library. According to the library website, her donations “form the core of Carmichael Library’s circulating collection of young people’s books.”
“At this point, I don’t consider her a donor to the university, I consider her a friend who gives us stuff,” university archivist and reference librarian, Carey Heatherly, says. “Really, really cool stuff.”
It’s Heatherly that Scales calls when she’s gotten together a new batch of books to donate, and it was Heatherly that she called when she wanted to give something bigger to the university. Thus, the idea for the Pat Scales Collection was born and construction for the room began fall semester of 2016.
Aside from the many cabinets filled with books, there are also some special literary materials included in the room. Located on the second floor of the library, the Pat Scales Collection features stuffed figures from popular books like Where the Wild Things Are, Peppa Pig, Dr. Seuss and more. Scales even included the original letters sent between her and dear friend, children’s author, Judy Blume.
“I hoping down the road it will be a good place to do research,” Scales replied when asked what her goal for the room is. “In a broader sense, I’m hoping that we’re going to attract researchers throughout Alabama and the southeast. As we get the word out, we will attract them.”
So far the room has been used for different literary events and an illustrator plans to use the room collection for their course.
Before Scales was a librarian, advocate for intellectual freedom, fighting censorship in regards to children’s and young adult literature and later university donor; she was one of the University of Montevallo’s “Same Sweet Girls”. The “girls”, graduates of the class of 1966, have all contributed to the university with both financial and material donations.
“The Pat Scales Special Collections Room is the real, tangible extension of that generosity,” Heatherly said. “The books warranted such a room as a place to securely house the research materials in a friendly, inviting manner.”
For more information on how to reserve the Pat Scales Special Collection room, visit the Carmichael Library website.
Vallo Vision News 