Willard Carroll's Collection
Michael Patrick Hearn
Author of the Annotated Wizard of Oz
John Lahr
Author of Notes on a Cowardly Lion
The Biography of Burt Lahr
November 4, 2000 - February 24, 2001
The Central Library at the
Los Angeles Public Library
Central Library News
Peter V. Persic, Public Information Director: 213 228-7555
630 W. Fifth Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071 * Fax: 213 228-7569
Largest & most comprehensive exhibit of "Wizard of Oz"
treasures on view at Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St.,
November 4, 2000 - February 24, 2001
"A Century of Oz" exhibition and free programs commemorate centennial of L.
Frank Baum's classic stories
The Wicked Witch's hourglass from the classic film "The Wizard of Oz," rare
turn-of-the-century wallpaper illustrated with Oz characters, and the
finest-known copy of the first Oz book are the highlights from more than 400
Oz-related items on display in the exhibition "A Century of Oz" on view at
the Los Angeles Public Library's Central Library, 630 West Fifth St., from
November 4, 2000 through February 24, 2001. The exhibit is free and open to
the public in the Library's Getty Gallery during regular library hours.
The exhibition presents the greatest number and breadth of Oz material ever
publicly displayed. The film props, toys, collectibles and dolls, as well as
books, comics, manuscripts, posters and other items gathered from around the
globe are selections from The Willard Carroll Collection, considered the
world's finest. Containing more than 10,000 Oz-related items, Carroll's
privately held collection is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind.
"The Los Angeles Public Library is pleased to present this extraordinary
exhibition, which coincides with the 100 year anniversary of the publication
of L. Frank Baum's first Oz book, 'The Wonderful World of Oz'," said City
Librarian Susan Kent. "The exhibition offers an astonishing view of Baum's
creations, which have captivated people of all ages throughout the world."
Among the rarest items in the exhibition are:
· The Wicked Witch's hourglass and a Munchkin costume from the classic MGM
film, "The Wizard of Oz."
· Turn-of-the-century wallpaper panels designed for a child's room and
featuring a frieze of Oz characters.
· The finest existing copy of the first Oz book, "The Wonderful World of Oz,"
published in 1900.
· First editions of Spanish language Oz books
· A poster advertising a 1903 stage production of Oz in New York.
"One of the great things about spending a lifetime collecting these treasures
is the opportunity to share them," said Willard Carroll. "Particularly in
such a terrific gallery space where we can present such an entertainingly
comprehensive exhibit of all things Oz."
The Library is presenting the following free public programs at the Central
Library in conjunction the exhibition:
Author Discussion, Saturday, November 4, 2 p.m., Mark Taper Auditorium:
Michael Patrick Hearn, the world's leading expert on L. Frank Baum and "The
Wizard of Oz" will discuss and read from his new edition of "The Annotated
Wizard of Oz." Hearn's new book illuminates Oz's numerous contemporary
references and provides fascinating character sources. For more information
or reservations, call (213) 228-7025.
Children's Program, Sunday, November 5, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Children's
Literature Department: "Wizard of Oz Day," featuring puppet shows, videos and
music. Children and their families are encouraged to come dressed in costume
as their favorite Oz character. For more information, call (213) 228-7250.
Author Discussion, Tuesday, November 21, 7 p.m., Mark Taper Auditorium: John
Lahr, the distinguished New Yorker theater critic will discuss and read from
his book "Notes on a Cowardly Lion: The Biography of Burt Lahr," his
brilliant examination of modern American show business as seen through his
father's long and glorious career.
For more information or reservations, call (213) 228-7025.
Animation Series: "The Oz Kids," first and third Sundays, November-February,
2:00 p.m., KLOS Story Theater: The first U.S. public viewing of the entire
series, this animated program features the voices of a variety of popular
teen actors. Produced for television in 1996, the series previously aired in
Japan and Europe. For more information, call (213) 228-7025.
"A Century of Oz," is open to the public during library hours: Monday -
Thursday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Sunday
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Opened in 1998, the Getty Gallery provides 3,500 square feet of space for
major in-house and traveling exhibitions of photography, rare books, art,
artifacts and archival material. Previous exhibitions include "Art.Rage.Us:
the Art and Outrage of Breast Cancer," "Local News: Tabloid Photographs from
the L.A. Herald" (actor Diane Keaton curated this show of images from the
library's photograph collection), and "Visible Traces: Rare Books and Special
Collections from the National Library of China."
The Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest urban population of any
library in the country. Its Central Library, 67 branch libraries, four
bookmobiles, six million books, and state-of-the-art technology provide
everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for
life-long learning.