Business Details
National Center For Children's Literature
At the National Center For Children's Literature (NCCIL), we are dedicated to celebrating the artistry of children's book illustration through immersive exhibitions and educational programs. Since our founding, we have partnered with award-winning illustrators to create one-of-a-kind displays that travel nationwide, bringing the magic of storytelling to communities across the country. Our Abilene-based facility offers free public access to rotating exhibitions, complemented by family art activities, school tours, and annual workshops that engage visitors of all ages.We prioritize hands-on learning experiences, offering guided tours for students and virtual programming to expand accessibility. Our partnerships with local foundations and national organizations like the National Endowment for the Humanities strengthen our mission to inspire creativity through literature. With a team of experienced professionals managing exhibitions, education, and community relations, we maintain a commitment to preserving the legacy of children's illustrated literature while fostering future generations of artists and readers.
Services
Art Exhibitions
School Tours
Virtual Tours
Creative Workshops
Family Activities
Event Rentals
Art Camps
Membership Programs
Donor Programs
Sponsorship Opportunities
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission to rotating art exhibitions featuring renowned illustrators
- Our educational programs include school tours aligned with curriculum standards
- We provide both in-person and virtual tour options for nationwide accessibility
- Family art activities are available every Saturday with no registration required
- Our traveling exhibitions have reached over 200 venues across 38 states
What people say
Free admission policy
Interactive storytelling areas
Educational value for students
Creative workshops
Family-friendly activities
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our rotating exhibitions showcase original artwork from award-winning children's book illustrators. Each display includes interpretive materials explaining artistic techniques and storytelling methods. Exhibitions travel to museums and libraries nationwide after their Abilene debut.
School Tours
Guided tours for K-12 students explore connections between literature and visual art. Programs include hands-on activities aligned with state curriculum standards. Tours available Tuesday-Thursday with capacity for 50 students per session.
Virtual Tours
Interactive digital experiences allow remote access to current exhibitions. Virtual programs include live Q&A sessions with curators and downloadable art activities for classrooms. Available nationwide with advance scheduling.
Creative Workshops
Seasonal workshops teach illustration techniques to children and adults. Offerings include bookbinding, printmaking, and digital illustration. Annual summer art camps provide multi-day immersive experiences for young artists.
Event Rentals
Gallery and studio spaces available for private events during and after business hours. Rental packages include access to exhibition areas and art-making supplies. Pricing varies by duration and space requirements.
People
Kayla Young
Executive Director
Leading NCCIL's strategic vision, Kayla oversees operations and partnerships. With 15+ years in arts administration, she has expanded traveling exhibitions to 38 states while maintaining local community engagement.
Anna McKay
Education & Programming Director
Anna develops curriculum-aligned educational programs serving 5,000+ students annually. She manages school tours, workshops, and community outreach initiatives that connect literature with visual arts education.
Julia Teel
Exhibitions and Collections Director
Curating award-winning exhibitions, Julia manages the permanent collection of 2,000+ original artworks. She coordinates logistics for traveling displays that have reached over 200 venues nationwide.
Danyel Rogers
Community and Donor Relations Director
Building community partnerships, Danyel manages membership programs and donor relations. She has grown annual giving by 40% through targeted outreach to foundations and individual supporters.
Trevor Easley
Guest Services Manager
Trevor oversees daily operations and visitor experiences. He coordinates facility rentals and public programs that serve 30,000+ annual visitors while maintaining museum standards.
Questions
What are your current exhibition hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-4 PM. The gallery is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Is admission to the museum free?
Yes, all general admission to our exhibitions is completely free for visitors of all ages.
Can I rent your facility for private events?
Yes, we offer gallery and studio rentals for private events with pricing starting at $225 for 2 hours.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
We provide guided school tours aligned with curriculum standards, available Tuesday-Thursday by reservation.
How can I support the NCCIL?
Support options include membership programs, tax-deductible donations, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer positions.
Are your exhibitions available online?
Yes, we offer virtual tour options with live curator interactions and downloadable educational materials.
