Northbrook resident brings joy with balloon display at library

Northbrook resident Barbara Levinson, owner of Barbara's Balloons, arrived at the Northbrook Public Library's parking lot early Saturday morning to install a new balloon display bursting with colors, flowers, trees, animals and insects.

As people stopped by to take photos, the most commonly asked question was: "How long did it take to do this?" Closely followed by: "How many balloons did you use?"

Levinson said she spent about three hours of prep over a couple of days before she and her friend Kathy arrived at 6 a.m. and spent three more hours setting up the display. She estimates she used at least 800 balloons, including the 50 tiny balloons to make the large sun that is smiling over the display.

"It's time to celebrate," she said. "I want to encourage people to come out and explore and visit the library, which is such a wonderful place to go. I also love bringing smiles to people's faces."

She said she was thinking about the classic Little Golden Books as she designed the display.

This installation was part of a worldwide event called "One Million Bubbles of Joy," which took place April 24 and 25. The event was created as a way for the balloon community to spread joy during these times by sharing their art with others.

You can find Levinson's balloon installation in front of the entrance to the Northbrook Public Library parking lot, 1201 Cedar Lane.