First Posted: 10/21/2014
“Once there was a tree and it loved a little boy” is the start of a famous Shel Silverstein children’s book.
Today, the Back Mountain Memorial Library will present a new tree to the community so that members of the community can, through this new tree, show how much they love the library – one of the Back Mountain’s favorite places.
A metal wall sculpture in the shape of three evergreen trees has been placed in the library foyer through a donation by three area families in memory of their loved ones. The identities of the families will be made known at the unveiling ceremony.
The sculpture contains pine needle clusters and stones that can be engraved with detailed messages so that persons, events, businesses or groups can be more permanently remembered.
The unveiling of the sculpture at 2 p.m. today will feature comments by family representatives making the contributions as well as a display of memorabilia in the reference room, including names and faces that helped make the library successful. An open house and refreshments will follow.
In the past, patrons have contributed and made memorial contributions in the form of engraved brick sidewalk pavers that are outside and through memorial books with memorial labels inside the book covers.
The tree represents a different and more permanent way to remember a loved one or event and allows more commentary on one of seven engraved lines, noted Martha Butler, library director. She suggests the pine clusters even have room for prose.
“This memorial sculpture will be here as long as the building stands,” says Butler, who hopes all will join in the special celebration and contribute by purchasing a pine cluster.
Brick pavers and memorial books will still be available for purchase, she added.
