04/29/2025
With heavy hearts, we share the news of Dr. Carolyn Brodie’s passing on Sunday, April 6, 2025. As the pioneering founder of the Reinberger Children’s Library Center, Carolyn’s impact on our community cannot be overstated.
Her journey at Kent State University began in 1989 when she arrived to find the Kent State University School of Information (then SLIS) without a single children’s book. From those humble beginnings – placing her own personal children’s book collection on empty shelves in a small room and building a youth services program from the ground up – blossomed into what we now cherish as the Reinberger Children’s Library Center. This vibrant hub fosters exploratory learning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a deep appreciation for children’s literature that continues to inspire new generations.
Those who knew Carolyn remember her boundless enthusiasm, fun personality, and unwavering belief that quality children’s literature and youth services transform lives. She revolutionized Kent State School of Information’s youth services program while simultaneously elevating children’s librarianship throughout Ohio and beyond. Her collaborative spirit secured the Marantz Picturebook Collection for the Study of Picturebook Art, strengthened the Virginia Hamilton Conference on Multicultural Literature for Youth as its co-director, established scholarly fellowships and grant funding, and created countless opportunities that continue to enrich students, scholars, and practitioners today.
Her professional achievements were remarkable, including serving on prestigious award committees and as ALSC - The Association for Library Service to Children President and securing over $6 million in grants. It was Carolyn’s extraordinary talent for building meaningful connections that truly set her apart. She demonstrated daily that personal relationships matter in higher education, showing how dedication and authentic engagement can reshape an institution.
Every corner of the Center reflects the remarkable network of relationships Carolyn cultivated throughout her career. From the Marantz Collection to the Pris and JDub Historical Book Nook, each element represents a meaningful connection she nurtured – with authors, illustrators, colleagues, students, and donors – all united by a shared passion for children’s literature and youth services. Carolyn's legacy lives on in each student who studied here, every researcher who explores our collections, in those of us who were lucky enough to learn from her and work alongside her, and all the children who continue to benefit from the work of our graduates.
In the coming days, we will share information about a memorial scholarship fund being established in Carolyn’s name. We invite you to share your memories and stories of Carolyn in the comments below.
We extend our deepest sympathies to Carolyn’s family, colleagues, and the wide community of individuals whose lives were brightened by her vision and generosity.
