Lerner Publishing Group
Harry Lerner opened a single room office inside the old Lumber Exchange Building in downtown Minneapolis during 1959. His sister-in-law Marguerite Rush Lerner held an M.D. degree and asked him to publish her stories about childhood diseases. These early manuscripts became the Medical Books for Children series that same year. The company started as a one-room operation with no other staff or inventory beyond those initial medical texts. Harry Lerner built the foundation of what would become a major publishing house from this small space.
The business grew from its original single room into four distinct locations across Minnesota and New York State. The main Lerner building now houses operations alongside the Lerner Distribution Center and Muscle Bound Bindery all within Minneapolis. A separate office occupies space inside the Empire State Building in New York City. This physical expansion allowed the group to handle more titles and distribute books to wider markets. The move from one room to multiple facilities marked a significant shift in operational capacity.
Lerner Publications targets K-5 students with photo-driven series released at a rate of 130 books annually. Millbrook Press serves both consumer and school markets through sub-imprints named Millbrook, Copper Beech, and Twenty-First Century. Carolrhoda Books publishes approximately 20 titles each year including picture books and fiction for trade editions. Graphic Universe launched in 2006 to print graphic novels featuring well-known comic book artists. These imprints cover different grade levels and formats while maintaining a focus on children's literature.
Kar-Ben Publishing joined the group in 2001 to serve the children's Judaica market with artwork and photo-driven content. Darby Creek Publishing became an imprint after acquisition in 2010 though distribution had begun as early as 2003. Zest Books entered the fold in 2018 as a young adult nonfiction publisher founded four years prior. Lerner acquired Millbrook Press and its subsidiary Twenty-First Century Books together during 2004. Each purchase expanded the company's reach into specific demographic segments and educational niches.
The publishing house printed original art featuring multi-racial children starting in 1963. This decision made Lerner the first publisher to include such imagery in their books at that time. The tradition of innovation continued through subsequent decades with ongoing commitments to diversity in illustrations. Marguerite Rush Lerner's medical stories provided the initial content but the visual approach evolved significantly over time. Early choices set a precedent for inclusive representation that shaped future projects.
LernerClassroom launched in 2000 to provide specialized educational titles including resources specifically designed for teachers. The Sharon Lerner Scholarship began in 1983 as a four-week program honoring the art director who died after serving in the Peace Corps. Carolrhoda Books was named after Sharon Locketz who was a close friend of Harry Lerner's sister-in-law. These programs promote understanding between international publishers while supporting industry contributors. Educational initiatives remain central to the group's mission alongside commercial book production.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When did Harry Lerner open the first office for Lerner Publishing Group?
Harry Lerner opened a single room office inside the old Lumber Exchange Building in downtown Minneapolis during 1959. The company started as a one-room operation with no other staff or inventory beyond those initial medical texts.
Where is the main building of Lerner Publishing Group located today?
The main Lerner building now houses operations alongside the Lerner Distribution Center and Muscle Bound Bindery all within Minneapolis. A separate office occupies space inside the Empire State Building in New York City.
What year did Graphic Universe launch to print graphic novels featuring well-known comic book artists?
Graphic Universe launched in 2006 to print graphic novels featuring well-known comic book artists. These imprints cover different grade levels and formats while maintaining a focus on children's literature.
Which year did Kar-Ben Publishing join the group to serve the children's Judaica market?
Kar-Ben Publishing joined the group in 2001 to serve the children's Judaica market with artwork and photo-driven content. Each purchase expanded the company's reach into specific demographic segments and educational niches.
When did Lerner Publications start printing original art featuring multi-racial children?
The publishing house printed original art featuring multi-racial children starting in 1963. This decision made Lerner the first publisher to include such imagery in their books at that time.
In what year did the Sharon Lerner Scholarship begin as a four-week program honoring the art director who died after serving in the Peace Corps?
The Sharon Lerner Scholarship began in 1983 as a four-week program honoring the art director who died after serving in the Peace Corps. Educational initiatives remain central to the group's mission alongside commercial book production.