For week three of our Kansas sesquicentennial series, because Kansas is celebrating its birthday on the 29th, we thought it would be fun to take a closer look at our collection of Wizard of Oz books.
L. Frank Baum never lived in Kansas and “his experience there was limited to only one or two days, yet his Oz book series has become a definitive part of the state.” [1]
About 52 for 150
Every object has a story, and stories build history. To celebrate 150 years of Kansas statehood we’re featuring 52 objects (or collections of related objects)—something new each week throughout the year—from the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library’s 130-year-old special, and permanent collections, that represent our collective state history and cultural diversity.
Our collections are available for teachers, students, researchers and general interest, and we hope this online video program will provide insight into what’s so “special” about Special Collections. Your library’s commitment to collecting art and preserving local history makes it possible for users today and in the future to have immediate access to invaluable research material and cultural artifacts.
For more information about Frank Baum or our collection of Wizard of Oz books, call or stop by the Topeka Room (785-580-4510) on the Library’s second floor. We’re located at the top of the stairs on your left.