Sean C. Morgan
The City of Sweet Home last week dedicated the new stained glass windows inside the Sweet Home Public Library.
“It’s beautiful,” said Library Director Rose Peda during an open house held Tuesday evening, Sept. 30. “We’re getting lots of comments. People have said it’s a great addition to the library.”
The $22,000 stained glass window project, paid for by donations, includes six sets of three glass panels stretching the width of the east end of the library. The windows depict a scene overlooking Foster Lake from the west end. Stained glass artist Chuck Franklin of Portland created the panels. He finished installing them on Sept. 7.
In July and August 2011, members of the public voted for their favorite among several choices for the windows, and work began in earnest to have them made and installed.
Before the windows were installed, people entering the library could only see poles and wires through the east windows, Finance Director Pat Gray explained at the time. Librarian Sandi Leonard said the library wanted to incorporate more art, while Friends of the Library President Gretchen Schaleger said her group wanted to enhance the library building.
The community came together and raised the funds to get it done, Peda said. The Friends of the Library led the charge several years ago. Joining them and pitching in were the Sweet Home Library Youth Advisory Council, CH2M Hill, Robert Rose, Barbara Baumgartner, Lavelle Lowen, Molly Laycock in memory of her mother, and the Sweet Home Community Foundation.
Memorials also were given for Gloria Elkins, Kathleen Shepard Carolan and John Livingston.
Members of the public also donated cash in a jar at the library.
The result is a beautiful display as the light changes the emphasis in the picture throughout the day, Peda said. “In the morning, the lake is very prominent, and it’s very vibrant. In the evening, the light changes, and the trees become more pronounced.”
The original idea came from Nancy Medieres, Leonard said. She has since moved to Idaho to be closer to her family.
She and a group of ladies would go back to the mystery novel section on the east wall, “look up and say, ‘well, someday.’”
Fortunately, Leonard said, a neighbor will send her a photo so Medieres can see how it turned out.
“I love it,” Leonard said. “I’m saying it because my brother has had a stained glass business (in Kalamazoo, Mich.) since 1978.”
After spending time around his business, Leonard knows just how tough it is to work with the lead and glass and create a picture, she said. “To do that expanse is difficult to do.”
The end result exceeded some people’s expectations.
“It’s a little bit more than we’d hoped for, I think,” said Librarian Rebecca Swoboda.
“It adds such an element of beauty,” Peda said.
“I get to see it change all day,” Leonard said.