New addition: Library receives donated statue

A formal dedication will be held in September.

HUBBARD — Those planning a visit to the Hubbard Public Library will be treated to a new permanent fixture at the building.

The Friends of the Library group bought a bronze statue of a boy and girl reading on a large arched branch, to be placed outside the children’s reading area at the library.

The donation also included a stone table and benches for library patron use and stone baskets filled with flowers and summer herbs.

Workers spent Thursday afternoon installing the statue and other donated items.

Debra Werner, Friends of the Library president, said the donation is in honor of Marlene Stephanic, who was a devoted member of the Friends group. A formal dedication ceremony is planned for September when members of Stephanic’s family can attend.

The new statue

According to Werner, a committee researched the issue and decided to buy something for the formerly empty space outside of the children’s area. The statue, she said, is outside the children’s reading area, but is meant to be enjoyed by anyone using the library.

“They focused on that particular area of the library because it was unused space and a very nice area that could be better utilized,” she said. “We purchased this for the enjoyment of all library patrons. It does have a children’s theme, but this can be enjoyed by anyone.”

Werner would not say how much the statue cost, but did say it is one of the largest donations in the group’s history. The Web site www.largeart.com lists the item at about $2,500.