STE. GENEVIEVE — Ste. Genevieve County Library is excited to announce a new unique addition to its facility, thanks to a Community Foundation Grant.
“One of the most fun additions to new builds in library spaces is interesting focal points in the children’s area,” Library Director Shawn Long says. “I’ve seen libraries add trees to this space and thought that was so cool, it brings the outside in and allows the children to let their imaginations run wild.”
However, large scale sculptures like trees are not something you purchase from Amazon, so Shawn thought that idea may never happen. However, a chance meeting with artist Kendall Hart made a tree project a potential reality if funding became available. Kendall, who did work at the Ste. Genevieve Museum and Learning Center created his own traveling exhibit of Cryptids and is currently working on making a museum of his own to showcase them, including a Momo the Missouri Monster.
“I mentioned the idea to Kendall and he said he would love to work with us.” Long recalled.
Now it was just a matter of funding the project.
In 2021, the Community Foundation released one last grant cycle and when it was confirmed Shawn knew what he was going to write a grant request for.
“I wanted to get something in the children’s area that gave it character, that not only allowed you to read, but allowed children to use their imagination.” After a few designs and a few edits, the current design was chosen and Kendall got to work.
“It took a few more months than anticipated, but I was focused on quality and making sure that it will survive the love that this tree is going to get,” Shawn said. “After a crew of 8 worked on getting it into its final location and Kendall fixing a few dings and reattaching a limb taken down for the move, the tree sculpture now stands proudly in the children’s area.”
At the present time the tree doesn’t have a name, and the library is hosting a naming contest with the community.
Patrons of all ages can swing by the library now through May 15th and the best name will be chosen!
For more information about the library and their services contact them at contact@sgclib.org or 573-883-3358