After several years of saving and fund-raising, the stained glass windows for the Sweet Home Library are becoming a reality, Librarian Rose Peda said last week.
Some $17,000 – none of it public funds – has been raised thus far, through a collection box in the library, proceeds from the 2012 Dam Run put on by the city Youth Advisory Council, contributions from the Friends of the Library and a memorial fund.
“The Library Advisory Board decided to contact stained glass artist Chuck Franklin to see what he was willing to do with what we could afford,” Peda said.
As it turned out, that would be the four center windows on the east side of the library. Peda said the outer two will get glass later.
Franklin’s studio, established in 1974, specializes in glass and tile art and sculptures for homes, businesses, churches, and other business and domestic uses.
Franklin’s staff will create a lead-process stained glass scene of Foster Lake and surrounding forest that will fit over the existing glass windows. That way they will be protected from the elements and from vandalism. They can also easily be removed for cleaning. Peda said the colored glass will be clear so light can shine through.
Completion should take about three months, she said.
“I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” Peda said.