52 for 150: What's So Special About Your Library's Moses Fine Art Book Collection?

Continuing to highlight National Book Month, for week 43 of our Kansas sesquicentennial video series we've chosen to focus on the Moses Fine Art Book Collection, which includes books on architecture, costume design, furniture, painting, printmaking and sculpture.

This reference collection was developed by Horace S. Moses, Topeka Public Library Director from 1950-1964. Dr. Cotter Hirschberg, speaking as Chairman of the Board of Directors (1969-1975), described Moses as someone who, "loved art and music because they brought light and warmth and understanding to one's soul. He was a Man for All Seasons who believed in a library for all the people."

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.

If you would like to see the Moses Collection, 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.