Lilly Library and Slocum Mechanical Puzzle Collection, Bloomington

The Lilly Library stands as an internationally-revered rare book and manuscript library, revered by scholars worldwide and serving as a vital resource for academic research. Boasting an impressive collection of over 8.5 million manuscripts, 450,000 books, 150,000 pieces of sheet music, and a myriad of cultural artifacts, the Lilly Library is a treasure trove of literary and historical wonders. Among its most prized possessions are iconic items such as the first printed edition of The Canterbury Tales, a Gutenberg Bible, and the First Folio of Shakespeare's works, alongside intimate archives belonging to cultural luminaries like Orson Welles, Sylvia Plath, and Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

One of the Lilly Library's most notable features is the Jerry Slocum Mechanical Puzzle Collection, a fascinating assortment of over 30,000 mechanical puzzles curated by puzzle enthusiast Jerry Slocum. Unlike traditional word or jigsaw puzzles, mechanical puzzles are hand-held objects that require manipulation to achieve a specific goal, offering a unique blend of challenge and entertainment. From the iconic Rubik's cube to intricate tangrams, the puzzles in the Slocum collection span centuries of mathematical, social, and recreational history, representing cultures from across the globe.

Visitors to the Lilly Library have the opportunity to explore the Jerry Slocum Mechanical Puzzle Collection through both physical exhibits and the online database presented in collaboration with Indiana University's Digital Collections Services. This database, when complete, will offer researchers and puzzle enthusiasts alike the chance to delve into the largest assemblage of mechanical puzzles in the world, providing insights into their history, classification, and cultural significance.