Beverly Cleary Book Nook, first floor

This space supported by ​Ginnie Cooper & Rick Bauman

Beverly Cleary (1916–2021) was a beloved author of children and young adult fiction. Born in McMinnville, Oregon, Cleary spent her early childhood in Yamhill, a town without a library. Her mother arranged for books to be sent from the State Library, sparking Cleary’s lifelong love of reading. After moving to Portland, Cleary struggled as a reader in school—an experience that later informed her writing. 

Inspired to write the books she longed to read as a child, Cleary created beloved characters including Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins. Her work earned numerous honors, including the Newbery Medal and the National Medal of Arts. Published in twenty-nine languages, her books have delighted generations of children.