52 for 150: What's So Special About Your Library's Fore Edge Book Collection?

October is National Book Month, so for week 42 of our Kansas sesquicentennial video series we thought it would be cool to feature our Fore Edge Book Collection.

These are books that have a design applied to the page edges—a technique dating back to the 16th century—which only becomes visible when the book pages are viewed together, either with the book closed or with the pages fanned.

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.

To make an appointment to see our Fore Edge Book Collection, or get help finding other books or videos related to this topic, 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.