DONATE
The de Grummond Children's Literature Collection is developed primarily through donations from individuals and publishers. The Collection receives thousands of book donations each year. Publishers send preview copies of books, improving the Collection. Scholarly books and original art are purchased due to the generosity of private donors who support the Collection through the USM Foundation.
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Additionally, many of the authors and illustrators who have added to the de Grummond Collection also attend and participate in the Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival each spring. These authors and illustrators realize and understand the importance of preserving their works for future generations and value the reputations that the Collection provides. The Ezra Jack Keats New Author/Illustrator Book Award was created through funds and materials that now allow new authors and illustrators to be introduced to world-class archive.
de Grummond Children's Literature Collection Curatorship Initiative
USM launched the de Grummond Curatorship Endowment initiative to support the curator and preserve, promote and grow the collection. An unprecedented $2 million goal was set and launched in April 2023.
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A $2,000,000 curatorship endowment would provide $80,000 annually in discretionary support for things like:
• Travel to conferences significant to children’s literature
• Sponsor a children’s literature clinic featuring authors and illustrators
• Development of traveling exhibits
• Collection acquisition
Matching Gift Opportunity
An anonymous donor has announced a challenge to reach the $2 million goal. If $1 million in gifts can be raised collectively for the Curatorship Endowment, the donor will match that support with a $1 million gift of their own. The fundraising goal must be reached by December 31, 2024.
Book Donations
The de Grummond Collection invites donations of books, new or used, that will augment the collection, which currently consists of more than 200,000 books.
To make a book donation to the Collection, contact:
Karlie Herndon, Curator
Phone: 601.266.4086
Fax: 601.266.6269
Financial Gifts
The de Grummond Collection welcomes private financial support. Such support is tax deductible and benefits all Southern Miss students and researchers in their academic pursuits.The University Libraries offers several opportunities to accommodate the giving interests and needs of alumni, friends and Libraries supporters.
You can choose to designate your gift to one of the endowments listed below:
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de Grummond Curatorship (Fund #2506​)
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de Grummond Children's Literature Collection Endowment (Fund 0679)
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Ezra Jack Keats Endowment (Fund 0894)
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H.A. and Margret Rey Curious George Endowment (Fund 1106)
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de Grummond Society
Membership in the de Grummond Society drives the effort to advance, support and maintain the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection. By joining this prestigious organization, you are laying a solid foundation for the preservation and growth of this renowned collection while providing access to the best in children's literature year after year.
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Membership Options:
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$35 / Sustaining - Gift of box of de Grummond notecards and pen
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$100 / Advocate - Gift of de Grummond T-shirt and pen
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$500 / Benefactor - Gift of box of de Grummond notecards, T-shirt and pen
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$1,000 / Lifetime - Gift of coffee mug, de Grummond notecards, T-shirt and pen
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To join, print and complete the membership enrollment form by clicking the icon and mail with payment to:
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de Grummond Children's Literature Collection
118 College Drive #5148
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
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Join online by clicking here and selecting Fund #0679 (de Grummond Children's Literature Collection Endowment).
The USM Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent of current IRS regulations.