from Recently at UML… A News Release from the University of Manitoba Libraries, November 1992, News Release No. 4
A novel birthday gift has led to the enhancement of children’s literature studies at the University of Manitoba. When Miss Mabel Jean Fraser celebrated her 90th birthday, her family and friends wanted to mark the occasion by doing something that would recognize her career as teacher and librarian. Together they made a presentation to the University in honour of Miss Fraser, requesting the donation be used to add to the collection of children’s books in the Libraries.
The Children’s Literature Collection is based in the D.S. Woods Education Library and supports courses in children’s literature, language arts and reading at the Faculty of Education. The Collection comprises some volumes ranging from medal winning picture books to fairytale collections to historic boys and girls annuals. The present donation is targeted towards recent Canadian publications featuring such distinguished authors as Robert Munsch, Michael Martychenko and Stephane Poulin.
Miss Fraser, a graduate of the University of Manitoba (B.A., 1924), taught in the high schools of Boissevain, Holland and Selkirk. She eventually moved to the Correspondence Branch of the Manitoba Department of Education, and later to the Provincial Normal School in Tuxedo. She held her position there as librarian and instructor of children’s literature for 19 years. When the Normal School amalgamated with the Faculty of Education, Miss Fraser moved to the Fort Garry Campus for an additional year of service before retirement.
A luncheon was held in her honour on January 31, 1992, in the Education Building. Family, friends, representatives of the Libraries, and members of the Faculty of Education were in attendance and heard Miss Fraser speak on the lifelong values of reading. The new collection of children’s books was on display, each book bearing a plate in dedication to Miss Fraser. Family members announced their hopes that they can keep adding to this collection in the years to come.
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