Old Geneva library roof turned into art

Pieces of the old Comiskey Park. Bricks from old Chicago streets. Mementos from other well-loved place. Fans of all kinds of places willingly, even eagerly, purchase tangible pieces of the past.

Add the Geneva Public Library to the list.

Artwork created from slate tiles that once were the library's original roof are on display at the library. The Geneva Public Library Foundation is conducting a silent auction of the slate art, with all proceeds going to the foundation.

"The artwork and the auction are fun, original things to help us celebrate the library's centennial," said Assistant Director Peggy Carlson.

The display has been popular, she added. "People have really enjoyed looking at the scenes."

All artwork has a library theme, with each slate professionally mounted and now on display throughout the library's second floor.

On display are:

• "Library Facade," by Anne Becker of St. Charles

• "100-year Theme," by Fatima Figueiredo, of Geneva (but who lived most of her life in Rio de Janeiro). This tile includes a number of library scenes, including the front entrance, the stacks and one of the outside benches surrounded by blooming flowers.

• "Nick Bottom," the library's Shakespeare sculpture, by Kimberly Hancock, Geneva.

• "Street Scene," by Linda Kluber-Byrum.

• "Fireplace Scene," depicting the library's cozy flame-warmed reading spot, by Ron Patterson.

• "A Place for All Seasons," by Geri Greenman, showcasing the library's Literary Gardens.

• "100 Years of Giving," also by Green man, with scenes depicted in the pages of three books.

Winning bids will be announced at the annual "Celebrate the Season" party, hosted by the library and the Geneva Park District, on Dec. 12.

Information about the auction, plus pictures of all seven pieces of art, is available on the library's web site at http://www.geneva.lib.il.us/node/266. The site even includes current information on bidding.

It's a chance to own not only a work of art, but also history.