Hold groundbreaking for Arthur Library’s ‘Curiosity Courtyard’
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By Marty Yeakel
Groundbreaking for the Curiosity Courtyard at the Arthur Public Library was held at noon on Wednesday, June 24. Library board member John Stewart opened the program by welcoming all those present which included members of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation board, Rikki Weger Parker, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Illinois, Kelsey Pruitt, Arthur Public Library director, library board members for the local library, many community members and children who are participating in the summer reading program at the library.
Stewart noted that the Curiosity Courtyard is a partnership between the Children’s Museum and the Arthur Public Library and stated that this is an opportunity for kids to interact with the library outside its doors. He also noted how excited the library board has been to be asked to be a part of this project with hopes to build a lifelong connection between ourselves and the Children’s Museum. Stewart then thanked our key partners and stakeholders in this venture which includes the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, memorial gifts in Dave Camp’s honor, the local Odd Fellows organization, Arthur Rotary, Illinois State Library and Mary Ann Hillyard Foundation. Since the groundbreaking the project has received additional funding from the Timm Trust. John then introduced Rikki Weger Parker, executive director at the Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur.
Rikki Parker is an Arthur native and Arthur High School graduate. She shared that while she grew up in Arthur she also grew up at the library. Rikki said, “This community raised me and shaped who I am today as did the library where I spent many hours. I am very excited to bring something back to the Arthur community and am looking forward to seeing kids playing in the Curiosity Courtyard.” She noted that this is a very important and exciting project and she thanked the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation for their initial gift and their encouragement.
Arthur Public Library director Kelsey Pruitt was next on the agenda. She stated that, “The library is a place of learning, discovery and community. The Curiosity Courtyard will extend and expand opportunities here in Arthur where stories are shared, imaginations are sparked and memories are made.” She also noted that this is what happens when organizations come together in a shared vision. Pruitt thanked Rikki, the library board and the donors who have made today possible. “This space is an important investment in the patrons the library serves. The Curiosity Courtyard will promote math, literacy, science and nature and give another reason to gather at the library. This is just the beginning and the space will continually evolve. A place where stories are shared, imaginations are sparked and memories are made. Thank you all for being part of the library experience.”
Natalie Beck, CEO of the Heart of Illinois Foundation was also present and stated that the foundation is very happy that they were asked to be a part of this project. “We love that it is outside and is available to all of the community all of the time.” Beck wished great success with the project and thanked all for having the HOIC here on this occasion.
Village president Rod Randall next took the mic and shared his long experience with the library with these comments: “Thirty-five years ago, I had the privilege of serving as the Building Chairman for the construction of a new library. Our vision for this new library was that it become an educational and cultural center for our community, especially our youth. Over the years, through strong Board leadership and professional staff, the library has maintained this vision and has been committed to making progressive changes as the needs of its patrons evolved. This Curiosity Courtyard speaks loudly that this library and the Children’s Museum of Illinois understands the value of bringing together young people with library programming focused on reading and literacy, and to have fun doing it. The project will encourage more young people and their parents to visit the Arthur Public Library to discover what new adventures in learning are available to them.”
For more information go to arthurlibrary.org where you will find an illustrative rendering of what could be installed, designed to give patrons a general idea of what the Curiosity Courtyard may look like. Or stop by the library where the staff will be happy to share details.