A popular community hangout for families has a new look. Come into the library and see for yourself the recent improvements to our Kids Library. A book, a movie or one of our children’s programs is a great excuse to visit your library.
We are painting the walls – and look for 3D attractions like a solar system in the future – to create an environment where children learn to read and enjoy reading.
If a child has difficulties reading, they are missing the basis for learning in all subjects.
The artwork depicted in the murals is meant to be educational. It lets kids explore a wooded clearing, a Kansas wheat field, the beach and even an Egyptian tomb. The images correspond to books, movies and other resources and help kids learn. A schoolhouse design welcomes kids to the Eldon and Harriet Sloan Computer School, our computer lab for preschoolers.
One attraction in the mural is a stunning sarcophagus. (Don’t know what a sarcophagus is? Get answers by asking a librarian in person or online here - follow the link and click Ask Us Now.)
Families have enjoyed gathering at the library for decades, but the artwork, which so far has been done mostly with in-house talent and resources, is transforming this area in unbelievable ways.
A customer looking for a book with Lena, a Youth Services librarian, wandered away from the stacks to the now brick-pattern painted pillars in the nonfiction area. Lena said the customer had to touch it to make sure they weren’t real bricks!
Artist rendering of a glass-blown solar system to be installed in the Kids Library
A new mural has added vibrancy to the area stretching from the storyzone to the aquarium. Work has progressed back to the non-fiction area where artist Michael Perkins is currently painting a stormy night scene. That’s where the glass-blown solar system will eventually be placed.
The books that were against the wall in non-fiction have been temporarily moved to in front of the kids periodicals area near the catalog computer. They will return to their spot against the wall as soon as the paint dries.
4 Responses to Transforming the Walls in the Kids Library
Lissa
May 16, 2011
My toddler and I saw Michael painting the clouds and he stopped to show her the paintbrush while we watched him paint. The next time we were in the library, she proudly showed her daddy the “clouds Michael paints” — this mural is a beautiful addition to the library for kids and adults to enjoy!
Jessica
May 23, 2011
I adore the mural! My kids and I have sat many afternoons watching Michael work on the painting. It has been wonderful to see it unfold and I can’t wait to behold the final product!!!
Rhonda Boyd
October 14, 2011
We spoke with the artist one evening while he was detailing the dragon’s tail. What fun it was to chat and watch him work. He told us he “moonlights” as the muralist & his job at the library was to maintain this website. What Talent! What he is doing is Wonderful.