40 years of Friends adding art to the library

James R Wilbat, Fetish Fantasy, glass, 1977, Gift of the Friends of the Library Topeka Crafts Exhibit 2

For 50 years, the Friends of the Library has supported the library to stay on-the-cutting edge of technology, services and programs that promote lifelong learning. Members have an active interest in the success of their library, donating their time, efforts and funds. Since 1971, the Friends have donated more than $1.9 million to the library. As a cultural center, the library has long had a connection to the arts in Topeka. For more than 40 years the Friends of the Library have sponsored the Topeka Competition and The Printed Image. Juror’s Awards and Purchase Awards have helped to build the permanent art collection for the library.

David Burton, vase, 1980, glass, Gift of the Friends of the Library, Purchase Award Topeka Crafts Exhibition 5

Through the summer, we will be displaying selections of art purchased by the Friends around the building. Look for featured art in the following areas:

Team Work Center
New Books, Movies & Music
Elevator to 2nd floor
Topeka Room

Learn more about the benefits of joining the Friends of the Library.

Sherry Best

Collections Curator

Our library has a very cool art collection, and I get to be in charge of it. I started drawing when I was 4 years old, and never stopped making art. I want to do more than show you art, I want to help you understand it, relate to it, and 'get' it. Art lets us share what it is to be human.

Art