It caught my attention while driving down Division Street in Northfield. Someone painted the steps leading up to the library. I stopped on the way back from my errand to take a closer look.
I stopped and immediately started photographing the steps while oohing and aahing over the fantastic idea and amazing artwork to a woman with a broom, tidying up the steps. I said I love this new paint exhibit and asked her if she knew who the artist was…she said, “Me!” She was a long-time children’s librarian in Northfield, and has since retired. She loves children’s books, as do I.
Kathy Ness, the artist, applied for a Main Street Artist’s Grant and was awarded monies for “Literary Steps”.
The art teacher from Spring Creek Elementary School (formerly Sibley Elementary) offered to help her and so the two of them painted this beautiful piece of art.
She painted replicas of children’s book spines on the 16 steps going up (I counted more) to the Division Street side of the Northfield Public Library. She asked the community for suggestions for the book titles and chose 16 titles from the list.
Many of the books I have read, but I got a few new ideas to check out. One of my children’s favorites, “The Little Engine That Could” did not make the list.
I love this beautiful artwork on public display in downtown Northfield. It definitely adds to the unique and wonderful place we call home.
What a fantastic idea!! Just adds more joy to going to the library we all are so proud and grateful for! Thx!!
The Literary Steps do bring more joy when going to the library! Especially for children I think.
I love this idea!! It is really original and she did such a beautiful job!!
It is a wonderful gift to the public, just like the library. 😉
So inviting!
I agree, the painted steps are inviting!
Such a wonderful idea and hopefully it will increase the interest in some of the greatest children’s books available! I can’t wait to see it in person soon.
I like that she painted the spine of the books, to look layered, like a stack of books.
I was just telling our new “Chief” Librarian that when my daughters were pre-school we would go to every Wednesday Story Time, and bring home 12 books ; each were read several times and given a grade (ABCD or F )together with a “Book Report “ on a 3×5 card. This week I just showed Kara that collection ! of reports.
What fun to find that collection of book reports! What a treasure.
Valerie, thank you for sharing this with us. I love this idea. What a wonderful way to promote both art and literacy. Next time I’m downtown Northfield, I’ll be photographing this. Thanks to the talented artists!
You will enjoy seeing it, and photographing the artwork! It’s wonderful.
Looks amazing😁 what a wonderful idea outside a library👍 It will make it exciting to go to the library for both children and grown ups who love boks🥳 And so fun for you to meet the artist Valerie🤣
It’s such a fun idea and I do hope it excites the children. I was excited! ha