Grinch takes up residence outside Naper Boulevard Library

His heart may be two-sizes too small, but the Grinch's library card is just as big as yours. And now he's registered in Whoville and Naperville.

Naperville's Century Walk Corp. unveiled its 42nd piece of outdoor public art Tuesday, a life-size bronze sculpture of the Christmas-stealing Grinch and his faithful dog, Max, just outside the Naper Boulevard Library at 2350 S. Naper Blvd.

The $50,000 sculpture and surrounding landscaping was completely funded by the city's Special Events and Cultural Amenities fund.

“We couldn't be happier to finally bring the Grinch down here to the Naper Boulevard Library,” Century Walk President Brand Bobosky said. “It seems like we've been talking about getting him here for a while now, but he's here to greet all of the library patrons.”

With Nichols Library already home to “The Cat In the Hat,” and “Green Eggs and Ham” gracing the entrance at the 95th Street Library, the bronze Dr. Seuss installation depicting “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” completes the library series.

Deputy Library Director Julie Rothenfluh said the statues are a favorite of patrons of all ages.

“We get comments every day from people coming to the library about how much they enjoy the statues, and it does mean a lot to kids,” she said. “It's great that they're tied to literature, so we're thrilled to be part of that.”

Several children at the library were brought outside for Tuesday's unveiling to make the Grinch feel welcome.

“In the story he becomes a good guy with a big heart, so he can be here,” 8-year-old Kiera Mott said. “It's neat. I didn't think (the statue) would be so big.”

Bobosky said Century Walk has other plans in the works, but he wouldn't share them before November's SECA fund application process.

Naperville offers the SECA money, derived from a citywide 1 percent food and beverage tax, to assist eligible organizations pay for new and continued cultural experiences. The money has been used in a variety of ways, ranging from assistance to the DuPage Children's Museum to funding for the Century Walk public art project to help for community festivals.