Patrons at the Southworth Library on March 3 may have noticed a new, special shelf while browsing for books.

Instead of the usual literature to check out, this shelf was filled with a collection of Asian dolls as a way to recognize the Japanese holiday “Hinamatsuri” — a day to celebrate young girls’ growth, good health and happiness.

The dolls on display were collected by 92-year-old Dartmouth resident Helen DeGroot through gifts given from Japanese researchers who worked with her husband at the University of Chicago and during her own trips to the Land of the Rising Sun.

“It’s the most magical place,” she said, adding that she’s visited the country three times.

DeGroot said the display was inspired by a conversation she’d had recently with a Japanese friend, who mentioned that her daughter was displaying her dolls at home. 

DeGroot wanted to showcase that same custom to the people of Dartmouth at her favorite place in town: the Southworth Library.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best library in the country,” she said.

On March 1, the Dartmouth resident arrived with her collection, including traditional fans and replicas of geta — a traditional Japanese sandal. The display was set up by fellow Dartmouth resident Blair Walker.

“She did such an excellent job,” DeGroot said. “The way she put things up — everything’s in perfect shape.”

Along with traditional Japanese dolls, DeGroot also brought figures from other Asian countries including China, Bali, Thailand, India, and Afghanistan — where she lived for eight months back in 1955.

The Dartmouth resident’s collection first began after her mother returned from a trip in Poland in 1939 with three dolls.

“They were beautifully dressed,” she recalled. 

DeGroot said what she appreciates most about collecting dolls is their ability to give a glimpse into the cultures of the countries that they came from.

The dolls are also able to tell stories, she said. One of the dolls, DeGroot explained, holds a fabled “magic hammer" which can "tap out" anything wished for.

“They all have a purpose,” she said of the dolls.

While the display was only up for Hinamatsuri, DeGroot said she’s already looking forward to additional showcases at the library.

“With Blair Walker’s help, of course,” DeGroot said.