Waukegan citizens group evaluates suggestions for Ray Bradbury Memorial
Moving forward with plans to honor Waukegan's Ray Bradbury, a citizens committee is sifting through close to 100 proposals and suggestions from sculptors, artists and fans of the legendary author.
Although the exact shape of the memorial is still to be determined - a bronze or granite statue is a likely possibility - the volunteer committee continues to meet monthly to determine how best to honor the writer who called Waukegan home until he was 13.
Bradbury, author of such classics as "Fahrenheit 451" and "Dandelion Wine," maintained close ties with the city and left his personal book collection to the Waukegan Public Library upon his death in 2012 at age 91.
"Ray Bradbury brought Waukegan to life, and will keep it alive forever as Green Town in several of his books," said Richard Lee, executive director of the Waukegan Public Library and chairman of the memorial committee. "It is only fitting that we honor him and keep his memory alive."
Also under consideration is the location for the memorial. Possibilities include the courtyard outside the library, which already houses several statues that promote reading, and Ray Bradbury Park, 41 N. Park Ave., so named for the author in 1990 by the Waukegan Park District. Waukegan honored another favorite son, comedian Jack Benny, with a bronze statue installed in 2002 in a prominent location downtown at Genesee and Clayton streets.
When the citizens committee was formed, it sought advice on how best to memorialize Bradbury and artists and sculptors responded with drawings and suggestions. The responses have come from across the country, many from the upper Midwest and some from Lake County.
The panel also is exploring how other cities have honored famous authors in their hometowns.
"We're trying to figure out what Ray Bradbury means to people. What should we highlight?" Lee said. "We're looking for ways to highlight his limitless imagination, his creativity and his timelessness."
As the exact shape of the memorial is being determined, fundraising efforts have also started. The committee intends that the statue will be fully funded by charitable donations and sponsors. All donations are tax deductible.
The Jack Benny statue was erected at a cost of $55,000, of which $48,000 was raised by supporters and the rest given by the late Sen. Adeline Jay GeoKaris.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. March 25 in the Waukegan Public Library board room, 128 N. County St. The committee meets at 4 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month.
Sculpture ideas may be sent by mail or email to Lee at the Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan, or richardlee@waukeganpl.info. For more information, contact Lee at (847) 623-2041, ext. 250.