Pacific Northwest Children's Literature Clearinghouse

Welcome to the Clearinghouse

Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education is pleased to house the Pacific Northwest Children’s Literature Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse was founded by Dr. Ted Mork in 1990 with the intention of sharing the latest in children’s literature with novice and experienced teachers. Under faculty and students who have worked there since then, the Clearinghouse has become a vital center for books for many ages: board books, children’s fiction and non-fiction picture books, young adult novels, graphic novels, biographies, and more!

The Clearinghouse continues to provide access to many new books for educators who love children’s literature. Every year, publishers are generous enough to send us (free of charge) their latest and greatest selections. Currently, our facility houses several years’ worth of published books. The Clearinghouse functions like a library; anyone associated with Western who has a W number is welcome to come check out books! Woodring students and the wider Western community are also welcome to come to enjoy books while the Clearinghouse is open without checking any out. 

The Clearinghouse is an amazing resource especially for Woodring students because of the crucial role literature plays in a child’s life. Even if you aren’t currently in a practicum experience, becoming familiar with children’s literature can be hugely beneficial to your professional career as an educator. Children’s literature may also play a role in other careers; students preparing for a career in psychology may find children’s books to be a guide and resource in helping children of all ages. School guidance counselors, speech and language specialists, or pediatricians can all utilize children’s books in their work, and the Clearinghouse can be a great place to start. 

How to find us:

We are located on the 3rd floor of Miller Hall in MH308. If you take the elevator or stairs next to Miller Market to the third floor, we are at the end of the long hallway. Look for signs for “Pacific Northwest Clearing House” and “Children’s Literature Library”. We also have signs posted in our windows which can be seen looking up at Miller Hall from Carver Gym and Red Square. There will be an “OPEN NOW” sign if the Clearinghouse is open!

Email us at pnwclc@wwu.edu or follow us on Instagram @pnwclc where we post new books and the hours we are open. We hope to see you there!