The Ann Swanson Jackson Children's Collection, located on the Main Floor of the Library, is designed to support the academic curriculum in the areas of teacher education, art, history, literature, anthropology, psychology, and other areas of study. It currently focuses on classic children’s literature from three distinct time periods, pre-1900, 1900-1960 and, 1960- present. The collection may also be used for enjoyment by the children in the Sewanee community.

The collection was established in 2001 by the children of Ann Swanson Jackson, wife of Dr. Harold P. Jackson, C'1942. The idea of establishing a collection of children's literature in memory of Mrs. Jackson came from close friends and neighbors, Professor Scott Bates and Phoebe Bates. The Jacksons gave over 100 acres of land to the University. Mrs. Jackson loved children’s literature and loved Sewanee.

The books are arranged in several categories:

Easy Reader: Fiction and Non-Fiction
Juvenile: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Graphic Novels
Young Adult: Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Graphic Novels

Within each category the call number is based on the first three letters of the author’s name. Example:
Are you my mother? by P.D. Eastman      Easy Reader Fiction Eas

All of the Newbery Medal titles are  included in this classic collection of children's literature.