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OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
VOL. 100 NO. 39
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A learning tree grows in Quesnel Library
FQL are pleased with the addition of a mural in the children’s area ANNIE GALLANT Observer Reporter Thanks to the tireless fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Quesnel Library, there’s a tree growing in the children’s area at the Quesnel Library. Leigh Cassidy and her assistant Jenny Walther have spent more than 100 hours creating the floor to ceiling black cottonwood tree with spreading branches around the room. The mural is designed to be interactivem with various creatures and leaves enhancing the painted tree, providing children with a chance to share their reading with the learning tree. Friends of the Quesnel Library was formed in 2007, led by long-time community volunteer Gloria Lazzarin. At that time the big push was to move the library into its new location below City Hall. That was successfully accomplished in the fall of 2008. “At that time we wanted to be a group that encouraged library use through such events as bringing in speakers and to advocate for literacy and other community programs,” said FQL member Maureen Murray said. “Through membership fees and other fundraising, the primary event being the annual book sale, funds are used for library projects or costs of sponsoring special events. The learning tree mural was a staff idea and we raised the money.” They then worked with mural artist Leigh
Cassidy on the design. Murray added this project has been in the works for about a year. Cassidy was excited about this particular mural because she has a special fondness for libraries. “I’ve been visiting libraries since I was a child and have used libraries around the world,” she said. “It’s a place of safety and adding the Learning Tree to the Quesnel Library is changing plain walls to a nest where children feel embraced and safe.” Quesnel Library branch assistant Tracy Bartsch reported on the children’s reaction as the mural progressed. “The children come to the library for weekly programs and love watching the tree take shape,” she said. “They usually comment that ‘the tree is growing.’ They have spotted a few hidden faces, which they usually have to point out to their parents.” She summed up the staff’s thoughts on the new mural. “The mural and the concept of a learning tree is very unique and a beautiful addition to our children’s area.” It was fortunate for the artist she discovered a young traveller who has become an able assistant. Cassidy was visiting Pen-YBryn Farms and by chance met a German girl who was spending the winter helping at the farm. “I noticed some of her drawings and invited her to help work on the mural,”
Quesnel Winter Carnival Saturday, February 1 st West Fraser Timber Park 1 pm - 5:30 pm
Cassidy said. Jenny admitted she was a little frightened. “Painting on a big wall – what if I made a mistake,” she said. “But it was also exciting at the same time.” Cassidy assures her she’s doing a wonderful job. With only Sunday and Monday to do the actual painting, Cassidy said it’s taken them about 18 days but expects to complete it by next weekend. “I can’t thank the staff enough for their support through this process,” Cassidy said. As for the interactive elements, there will be squirrels, birds and leaves that will be moved around the tree. The squirrels represent the library staff, birds represents the high school students who assist the children in their reading and buds and leaves represent the children. “The children will find the squirrels and birds in different locations each week. They can also determine where their leaf will be placed each week. Buds are for the youngest children, the dark green leaves are the mid range-aged children and the coloured leaves represent the children transitioning to a high reading level. Each will have their name on their leaf and they can place it wherever they want.” Murray is very pleased with the mural and knows it will provide inspiration and pleasure to the children who Jenny Walther, left, paints leaves on the learning tree while Friends of the Quesnel Livisit the library for many brary’s Maureen Murray consults the book that ensures accuracy in the depiction. The mural in the children’s area of the library is expected to be completed soon. years to come. Leigh Cassidy photo
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