Elder Dill Strasser stood near the sidewalk, the brim of his tall black top hat catching the morning light as visitors hurried past him toward General Conference. In a crowd of dark suits and spring dresses, the hat made him easy to spot. That was the point.

“This hat holds great memories,” said Strasser, smiling as he pointed a family toward the conference center, “ I have many like it and each one holds so many memories of my mission and my purpose here on earth. To serve and be the hand of God.”

The top hats come from London, where Strasser once served as a missionary from 1963 to 1965. While he was there, he started collecting books from small shops, secondhand stores, and from family members who were going to donate books. He liked the feel of old books--the weight of them and the history they seemed to carry. He bought one, then another, and eventually hundreds. Today, his collection has grown to more than 8,000 books.

There is one detail that makes his collection unusual: Strasser cannot read.

“I know, it’s funny!” said Strasser, laughing. “I think I just like the smell or even the feeling of holding the book.” 

He never learned, but that did not stop him from loving books. To him, books are more than words on a page. They are symbols of knowledge, stories and people. He carefully keeps them, organizes them and protects them--even if he cannot read them himself. 

At General Conference, Strasser spends hours outside, directing foot traffic, answering questions, and ensuring visitors find their way safely. Many people remember him not just for the hat but for his kindness.

“Yesterday, he wore this tie that had differently painted hands on it,” said Yolanda Gomez, a visitor of General Conference. “Today, he has a bowler hat and a world-inclusive tie. He is adorable!” 

He tips his hat to nearly everyone who passes.

Strasser may not read books, but through quiet service and small acts of kindness, his life tells a story of its own;one written in dedication, love for people and a simple desire to help others find their way.