Children's Books Online: the Rosetta Project

Children's Books Online: the Rosetta Project, Inc. is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to making a vast collection of illustrated antique children's books freely accessible online. Founded in 1996, the project began with a small collection of books and has since expanded with the support of volunteers globally to offer tens of thousands of pages of historically significant children's literature.

History and Mission

The Rosetta Project started as the effort of a single individual who sought to preserve and share antique children's books through digital means. Over time, a growing network of volunteers contributed by digitizing books, creating translations, and expanding the collection. The organization aims to provide free access to these classic illustrated books to a worldwide audience, promoting literacy, cultural preservation, and appreciation of literary heritage.

Collection and Features

The organization hosts what is considered one of the largest collections of illustrated antique children's books online. Its digital library features nearly 2,000 titles available in various formats, including audio versions, catering to diverse reading levels and age groups. The books are indexed by both language and reading difficulty, facilitating easy access and user-friendly navigation for readers of different preferences and abilities.

Volunteer and Community Involvement

Children's Books Online: the Rosetta Project is a volunteer-driven initiative. Volunteers from around the world contribute by scanning, translating, and curating the collection, enriching the resource continually. This collaborative approach ensures the ongoing growth and maintenance of the digital library.

Impact and Accessibility

By offering free online access to rare and antique children's literature, the Rosetta Project supports educational goals and cultural heritage preservation. Its resources are used by educators, students, parents, and literary enthusiasts globally, highlighting its role as a valuable digital archive.

Note: The organization is registered under EIN 10542490 and operates without commercial interests, focusing on public access to historical children's books.

[1] http://www.childrensbooksonline.org [2] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/ea044d92b87e49f08e807f816d41aab8-childrens-books-online-the-rosetta-project-inc-searsport [3] https://brycs.org/clearinghouse/3231/ [4] https://library.cnu.edu.ph/childrens-books-online-the-rosetta-project/ [5] https://www.pleasecomeflying.com/2007/08/rosetta-project-antique-childrens-books.html