Statue in memory of library director dedicated in Lincolnshire

Allen Meyer may be gone, but he will not be forgotten.

The memory of the former director of Vernon Area Public Library will be honored for many years to come by a statue dedicated in his memory Saturday outside the Lincolnshire building.

Called "Life's Lessons," the sculpture features a young boy seated on a bench reading a book that has a bird perched on its cover.

It is a fitting tribute to Meyer, who was hired as a youth librarian in 1985 before going on to become director three years later.

"The fine people who come here to work every day also form a living memorial to Allen," said Jane Berman, president of the library board of trustees.

"This will be a little sanctuary for all of us who were fond of Allen to give a little nod to his memory."

Meyer, who died in 2008 after a battle with cancer, spearheaded the effort to pass a 1988 tax referendum that provided the money for the library building that opened in 1993.

Financing in hand, Berman said Meyer then worked tirelessly on the design, construction and outfitting of the building.

Meyer's tenure came at a time of explosive growth for the library, she said, as the district added 42,000 residents and saw its circulation rise to 900,000 per year.

The statue was created by Loveland, Colo., artist George Lundeen and was paid for with more than $15,000 in donations collected by the Friends of the Vernon Area Public Library District.

Angie Goodrich, president of the friends group, said the organization also has established a college scholarship program in Meyer's name.

She said the group will award $2,000 each year to a college-bound high school senior who worked or volunteered at the library.