Rebecca M. Arthurs Memorial Library

From Behind the Library Desk - Dreams Really Do Come True At Rebecca M. Arthurs Memorial Library Or How A Blank Wall Became A Storybook Wonderland

It started with the seed of a dream when Beth Grant (Children's Program Director) and her family were at the Pittsburgh Children's Museum visiting the traveling Arthur display based on the popular series of books by the same name.

Beth returned from that trip full of excitement and ideas for a play-sized circulation desk for the children's area and the concept for a bright mural on the wall depicting a fantasy land of characters from books and cartoons. These ideas took on a life of their own as volunteers and staff eagerly put their hearts, hands and imaginations to work.

Harry Neuhard, current board president and faithful volunteer, heard her ideas and began making them a reality. The first steps involved designing the mini circulation desk and gathering the materials, which were donated by Mike Lawrence. George Walker cut out the wood pieces in his workshop, then Harry and George assembled the desk. The finishing paint touches in bright primary colors were added by Susie Whitling.

The desk was an instant success with the children, especially the bell and the book drop. Of course, we couldn't have a desk without a librarian, and once again Harry solved the problem by constructing a life size Paige Turner (another Arthurs character) and placing her next to the desk. Paige is the librarian in the Elwood City Library where Arthur lives so it is appropriate she and Arthur now reside inside the Arthurs Memorial Library here in Brookville.

From there it was only a short leap of the imagination to a wall mural and it began with large pieces of cardboard donated by Galbraith's Furniture Store Harry stapled them to the wall above the bookshelves in the children's area and then gave everything a base coat of white paint. Jan Lawrence, staff member, then drew a rough sketch on the wall depicting the characters, etc. for the proposed mural. Harry's daughter Melanie Darrin then drew out plans on a grid of 1 inch by 1 inch squares. Student worker Garrett Dush got the wall process going by drawing a 1 foot by 1 foot grid on the entire layout of cardboard. Melanie and Harry drew in the final version of all the characters with a rough background and it was finally time to paint!

Harry, Melanie, Janet and student worker, Ashley Snell, combined their creative talents and spent the next three weeks painting and adding finishing touches to the mural. Library assistant, Judy Schwab, helped with the final outlining when the main painters grew tired. Of course, the artists had lots of input from library patrons of all ages, as well as from other staff members. One little girl was particularly helpful in making sure that Elmo (from Sesame Street) was just the right shade of red while another made certain we got Cookie Monster's eyes just the right shade of "googly".

Everyone involved with the project got so much enjoyment from the look on the faces of the children as they entered the children's area and saw the mural for the first time. Many times parents and children would sit and watch the painting in progress. It was fun listening to the kids name all the characters, getting stumped on only a few, mainly Raggedy Ann and Andy, characters more familiar to the "older" set. It was also great listening to adults reminisce about their own favorite storybook and cartoon characters. The mural continues to be a great conversation starter.

It was a labor of love for all involved with the payment continuing to be the look of joy on people's faces when they see the completed project. Beth Grant had been away during the completion of the mural and it was especially fun catching her reaction (who knew she could jump that high!) when she returned from her vacation to see her start of a dream become a reality on the wall!

Yes, this particular dream has found its way into reality and we can only guess what creative spark is just waiting to burst into flame at RMAL. Whatever it is, we know it will be a source of joy and camaraderie for everyone involved for after all, isn't that what makes all these projects and people so uniquely special?

Monthly articles are written by Judy Schwab, library aide. These articles have appeared in the newspapers "Jeffersonian Democrat", Brookville, PA and "Jefferson County Neighbors". The articles highlight people and events related to the library. Rebecca M Arthurs Memorial Library © 2006.

The library is located at 223 Valley Street in Brookville, PA 15825. You may contact us at 814-849-5512 or click here to email us.