Eugene Field Library

About the Eugene Field Library

The Eugene Field Library is home to the Gleich Collection, the largest privately-owned collection of Eugene Field’s works. Within it are various volumes of literature written by the beloved Children’s Poet, ranging from first editions to personal manuscripts. The books on display include those published during Eugene’s life, some signed by the author, and many published by his estate. Of note, is the previously unpublished manuscript, Lena and the Old Witch, published in a limited run by the Eugene Field House Foundation in 2000. The library can be utilized for research purpose through appointment only.

Current Exhibit

Field’s Famous Foods
August 2019 – January 2020

Take a bite out of Eugene’s writings when you explore the most mouth-watering and unique poems on everything food. Eugene Field loved food and often wrote about some of his favorites. Many of these poems are featured in Field’s Famous Foods alongside modern recipes. From apple pie and cheese to onion tarts, enjoy comparing famous foods of the past with popular dishes of today.

Future Library Exhibits

Binding the Written Works
February 2020- July 2020

A “bibliomanaic” by nature, Eugene Field was known to have once remarked that the only book worth reading is one that is nicely bound. In Binding the Written Works, the Eugene Field Library takes a closer look at the fascinating art of bookbinding and trends that the medium followed from 1850-1950. The transformation in book binding techniques were plentiful both during Eugene’s life and after his death. These unique books will be on display for all to see in Binding the Written Works.

Writing the Tales of Eugene Field
July 29, 2020 – January 10, 2021

“The Children’s Poet” was more than just a man of verse and newspaper columns. The coming exhibit will look at the often-forgotten stories that Field penned, from his first “Little Book of Tales” to the posthumously published  “Love Affairs of a Bibliomaniac.”