BROOKINGS The Brookings Public Library is looking brighter these days, thanks to a new mural that is part of the $120,000 Lowes Hometowns grant awarded to the library in June.
The mural is in the librarys teen area and was designed by local artist Rachel Funk.
As part of a volunteer work day on Nov. 3, employees from Lowes Home Improvement in Brookings started painting the new mural. The employees, known as red vest associates at Lowes, returned to paint more of the mural on Nov. 10.
The mural is part of efforts underway to update the teen and childrens areas; the upgrade will include new shelving and furniture to be installed later this year.
This work would not be possible without the Lowes grant, said Library Services Director Ashia Gustafson. Were grateful for the grant, and for the companys investment in our community. Were sure our patrons will appreciate the updates were making.
Following a competitive nomination and application process, the library was selected as one of 100 nationwide recipients of this years Lowes Hometowns grants. Now in its fourth year, the Lowes Hometowns program is a five-year, $100 million initiative aiming to provide 10 million square feet of renovations to nonprofits nationwide. The grants are designed to fund facelifts at nonprofits.
Lowes employees contribute time to benefit the projects in their communities. Local Lowes employees are leaving their mark on the librarys new mural.
The mural will help better define and distinguish the librarys teen area, which is right inside the entrance, said Nancy Swenson, technology services librarian and programming supervisor. We plan to replace the furniture with seating thats more engaging and welcoming for teens.
One of the goals is to clearly define the teens and childrens sections as distinct spaces in the library, Swenson said. In addition, new shelving in the childrens section will allow young patrons and their families to browse the picture book covers.
It will be more engaging for our littlest readers because theyll be able to more readily spot books of interest to them, she said.
Gustafson and Swenson agree that the librarys interior is due for a refresh. Swenson said most of the facilitys existing furnishings are from the 1999-2000 remodel.
The Lowes Hometowns grant is giving us the opportunity to make some meaningful updates, Swenson said.
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