Frances Jenkins Olcott

Born in Paris in 1872 and dying in 1963, Frances Jenkins Olcott built a career around bringing good books to children. She became the first head librarian of the children's department at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in 1898, an important role at a time when library service for young readers was still taking shape.

She was known not only as a librarian but also as a guide to children's reading. After her library work, she wrote books for librarians, teachers, parents, and young readers, often gathering stories in forms that were especially inviting for reading aloud. Her work helped spread the idea that children's library service should be thoughtful, welcoming, and rich in imagination.

Olcott also published many enduring collections, including fairy tales, poems, nature myths, and Bible stories. Titles such as The Red Indian Fairy Book and The Wonder Garden show her love of storytelling from many traditions, making her a memorable figure in both children's literature and library history.