ABOUT THE COLLECTION
The Robert L. and Posy Huebner Collection brings together significant works of original art by illustrators of children’s literature. Established in 2004 through a generous bequest from Mr. Huebner and sustained by Mrs. Huebner, the collection blends their passion for art and their lifelong interest in educating children.
The collection has grown from Robert and Posy’s original 13 donated illustrations to more than 240 works of original art that celebrate the power of art to connect and engage children with stories. It is one of the largest collections of original art from children’s books housed in a public library, with the collection rotating between Main Library and 12 branch locations and ongoing support from the Library Legacy Foundation.
The collection contains art from Caldecott-winning illustrators such as Marcia Brown, Tomie dePaola, Maurice Sendak, Bryan Collier, Steve Jenkins, and Arnold Lobel. The collection contains art from five Toledo illustrators: Drew Bairley, Wil Clay, Denise Fleming, Carrie Hauman, and Ruth Summers. There is art from books written by three Toledo authors: Nancy Meredith, Jan Wahl, and Mary Helen Harper Wright.
The collection also includes numerous Dr. Seuss illustrations and sculptures from The Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy by Dr. Seuss. On view at Children’s Library, each cast resin sculpture mold was produced over six months to match standards established by Theodor Seuss Geisel. Once the model was completed, each sculpture was cast, cured, hand-finished, and hand-painted. After all the pieces in the set were completed, the molds were destroyed.
View the largest part of collection, including the Seuss pieces, at Main Library during open hours:
- M-Th: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- F-Sa: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy other pieces throughout various locations.
