Authorities seek library sculpture thieves

The sculpture had been
outdoors since 2005.

COLUMBIANA — Wanted very badly: two bronze children on a bench and the people who stole the sculpture.

City police could not be reached Tuesday about the theft.

The 400-pound sculpture called “The Readers” disappeared late Sunday or early Monday from the entrance to the Columbiana Public Library at 332 N. Middle St.

The popular sculpture portrayed a boy and a girl reading on the bench. Children often sat on the bench with the figures.

The piece measured 44 inches long, 30 inches wide and 36 inches high.

“It was all one piece,” said Carol Cobbs, the librarian.

The library purchased the piece in 2004 for $12,500. It stayed indoors until spring 2005.

The sculpture was anchored into bricks with steel bands in a landscaped area just outside the main doors of the library. The people who took it somehow cut the bands.

The sculpture may have been taken to sell for scrap.

Cobbs said she appreciates the support people are showing over the theft.

“We’re doing all we can to find it,” Cobbs said.

She added that residents “are taking it very personally.” The sculpture was made by Max Turner.