Reading Public Library Children's Section
Inspired by the geometric style found in the art of Charley Harper, this collaborative mural worked with the library patrons and staff to create an interactive forest landscape embedded with storybook symbols.
Location
Reading Public Library
Reading Public Library
100 South 5th Street,
Reading, PA 19602
Project Support
Sponsors:
Reading Public Library
Mural design:
Michael L. Miller
Mural fabrication:
Library Patrons and Staff
Project completion
2015
View multiple images of the project's creation above.
About the Project
The fantastic neon rainbow on the main wall of the children's section of the Reading Public Library has been a focal point for a long time. To create a mural design that incorporated the neon was an interesting challenge. The idea of creating a forest scene was suggested as most library patrons live in the city and have limited access to a park or green space. The unique geometric style of Charley Harper seemed a good fit because the simplified shapes in the mural remind one of a graphic children's book style. This also matched the hard geometry of the neon and the windows found on the wall. The lower section of the mural is a dark green color that has been stenciled with iconic symbols found in classic children's stories. The stencils were suggested by library patrons and were applied at a community paint event.