As supervisor of the Decker Branch Library, I take pride in sharing the fascinating history of the building. Lucky for me, visitors regularly come to experience an original Carnegie Library. They’re not hard to spot, typically walking in slowly, marveling at the original murals, the cozy fireplace, or the many other features contributing to the character and charm befitting a 112-year-old library.
One of my favorite memories comes from last year. The great-granddaughter of Dudley Carpenter, the artist of the library’s original murals on the main level, stopped by with her family to see the paintings for the first time. I was honored to meet Madelyn and take her photo as she experienced the murals alongside her family.
In an email follow-up, she said she could see where her children received their artistic gifts! She continued to say, “Honestly, I was surprised that you and others were so knowledgeable about the pieces. I guess I was expecting a larger library with no one even knowing who did the pieces…” These moments remind me I’m part of something bigger, a steward for this old public space that has served the community since 1913.
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