The Children's Room Mural Project

Lilly Library, on 19 Meadow Street in Florence, has recently completed a long-overdue renovation and expansion to ensure its ability to meet the needs of current and future generations. A new 5300 sq. ft. addition includes a new Children’s Room, space for library programs, and urgently-needed study areas for middle and high schoolers. The new Children’s Room has increased in size by almost 600%.  Project Specifications

A $1.1 million Massachusetts Library Construction Grant provided part of our construction costs. Local individuals and businesses have pledged almost $707,000 towards this project and include specific pledges towards the children’s room, including money for furnishings, computers, and a homework center.

In September of 2005, an Exterior/Interior Design Committee (EID) was formed to guide the architect through the tedious process of selecting colors for carpeting, tiles, wall color, and furniture. Very early on in that process, the committee members were concerned that the Children’s Room seemed to have adequate furniture, shelving, and books, but not any items that would deem it a “special place” for children and their families. The Committee discussed and decided on a woodland theme, and began to talk about the creation of a mural. An inspiration for this theme was the antique Alaskan totem pole that has been in the library since it was donated long ago by the family of Frank Newhall Look.

Today, the children’s room has been painted, and has been furnished and equipped for use by children and their families. To enhance the decor of the large room, the EID Committee, supported by the Library's Board of Trustees and the Northampton Arts Council, sought proposals from artists who live or work in Northampton to complete the mural with a targeted completion date of Spring, 2007.  Local artist Nancy Haver was selected by the committee.  She began work on the mural on March 14, 2007.

This is the proposal submitted by artist Nancy Haver.  Details may change in the final mural which is expected to be completed by June 1, 2007


Progress after a week!  March 22, 2007

The project will be funded with the help of a Northampton Arts Council Grant and the Lilly Library Board of Trustees