Ball State University’s Bracken Library Hosts ‘Not Your Average Storytime’ Celebrating Historic Chapbooks

Topics: Arts and Culture, Community Engagement, Muncie, University Libraries

January 14, 2026

Ball State University Libraries invites the community to step into the world of 19th-century storytelling during "Not Your Average Storytime," a free, family-friendly event celebrating historic chapbooks on Saturday, Jan. 17, from 1-2 p.m. on the first floor in Bracken Library's Schwartz Digital Complex. Coffee and cookies will be provided.

Hosted by Ball State University Libraries, the event explores the history and cultural impact of chapbooks-short, inexpensive booklets that once served as some of the earliest forms of children's literature-connecting them to the stories children enjoy today. All ages are welcome, and children can participate in a hands-on craft to create their own chapbooks.

"This event invites our community to experience the history of storytelling in a more hands-on way," said Amy Petts, associate dean for strategic engagement and learning for University Libraries. "By exploring 19th-century chapbooks alongside today's children's books, we're showing how stories have long shaped values, creativity, and learning across generations, while creating a welcoming space for families to discover, make, and connect."

Chapbooks date back to the 16th century but gained popularity in the 19th century, when they were widely distributed as affordable booklets containing children's stories, folk tales, and moral lessons. Archives and Special Collections houses 173 historic chapbooks, many of which reflect the cultural and moral attitudes of 19th-century England and the United States.

Much of the collection was donated by Elisabeth Ball, daughter of George A. Ball, one of five brothers who founded Ball State. A lifelong lover of books, art, and travel, Ms. Ball carefully assembled her chapbook collection as part of a broader children's literature donation to the University. In keeping with the Libraries' commitment to preservation and access, an additional 50 chapbooks were later acquired through the Martin and Helen Schwartz Fund.