52 for 150: What's So Special About The Friends of Art & Friends of the Library?

For week 37 of our Kansas sesquicentennial video series we're taking a closer look at the Friends of the Library and the Friends of Art, as well as some of the artwork they've purchased for the permanent collection, partly to say thank you and partly to inspire new members to join.

This coming weekend is the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale (September 16-18), a volunteer supported, year-long endeavor manifesting in one of the most popular and prolific fundraising events in our community. The Friends are critical partners of the Sabatini Gallery, as their generosity and hard work supports our competitions (The Topeka Competition 3D and The Printed Image 2D) and collection development (buying new art for the Library). The Friends celebrates its 40th anniversary this year!

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.

Consider joining the Friends of the Library or the Friends of Art today. Your support will help fund exhibits, educational classes, speakers and art competitions. Contact the Friends of the Library at 785-580-4445 or by e-mail.