In a joint effort to bring art into the Sweet Home Public Library, the Library Board and the Friends of the Library are asking for help to choose and purchase large stained glass panels for the large eastern windows in the library building.
Drawings of the panels were created by Chuck Franklin Glass Studio of Portland, the same artist who built and installed the stained glass panels in the new Lebanon Public Library.
The panels in the Lebanon library were paid for by a private donation, said Pat Gray, acting library director. The Sweet Home Library Board and Friends of the Library are also hoping to fund the Sweet Home project with donations in order for it to be a gift to the library.
Right now, only poles and wires are visible through the windows, Gray said.
“When you come through the door, all you see is that,” said Librarian Sandi Leonard.
“We want to start bringing more art into the library,” Gray said.
“We want to enhance our library,” said Gretchen Schaleger, chairwoman of the Friends board.
The panels will depict Foster Lake, Gray said. The options are a fairly realistic rendering of the lake versus a more contemporary version.
Depending on which version is selected, the cost for the artwork, windows, delivery and installation ranges from $21,000 to $26,000.
The Library Board would like to know which option the public would prefer seeing in the library, Gray said. The Friends of the Library will display drawings of the proposed panels at the Friends of the Library Book Store at 1242 Main St. this week.
Members of the public are invited to vote for their favorite scene, Gray said.
The Friends of the Library are donating all proceeds from sales in the store through July 30 to the stained glass project.
The panels will remain at the Sweet Home Public Library after the Jamboree and voting will continue until the board meets on Aug. 11 and makes a decision, Gray said. Donations will be accepted at the Friends of the Library Book Store and at the library.
They may be mailed in care of Gretchen Schaleger to 1311 Quince St., Sweet Home, OR 97386.
For more information, contact the library at (541) 367-5007.