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Public Art

Our Library locations feature impactful works of public art. 

Public Art at MRCPL

The installation and display of public art throughout the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library supports the mission statement. Providing public art, accessible to everyone, inspires engagement and a feeling of belonging to a community.

NEW in 2023! Outdoor Murals at the Main Library

A Magical scene with bookshelves, full of classic books. A bean stalk, dragon, hot air balloon, castle, and pirate ship are painted around it. Art by Allison Pence.

Once Upon a Library Allison Pence

An open book with a jungle scene coming out of it. There are lions, giraffes, cheetahs, koalas, elephants, monkeys, and zebras enjoying the nature at sunset. Painted by Robin Shoup Wilson.

Wild About Books by Robin Shoup Wilson 

A colorful cloud of imagination with story book items floating around a boy painted with great detail. Painted by Demetrius Howell

Right at the Tip of Your Mind by Demetrius Howell

All three murals can be seen on the Bookmobile garage in the public lot of the Main Library at the corner of W. Third St. and Mulberry St. in Downtown Mansfield, Ohio.

Stained glass ceiling at the main library
Stained Glass Ceiling

The stained glass ceiling can be viewed from the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Main Library.  It was originally installed in the Carnegie Building in 1908 and restored by Vidonish Studios of Lexington, Ohio, in 1988. 

A mural painted at the main library depicting the library building and it's patron goers.
Endless Possibilities

Endless Possibilities by Ruthie Ogechinyere Akuchie is at the main entrance of the Main Library. Created in 2019, it represents what a library can offer the community. It portrays connection with others, learning with others, reading to each other, and more.

The Friendliest of Jungle Animals

The Friendliest of Animals by Robert L. is at the Main Library in the children’s area. This mural was created while the Library was renovated in 1989. It was funded by the Friends of the Library. 

Stained glass window featuring a blue butterfly on a branch of a tree with a blue and cream chrysalis hanging on the branch.
Butterflies in Stained Glass

Butterflies in Stained Glass by Thomas R. Smith and William Laux is at the Bellville branch. Smith created the stained glass design and Laux created the frame. This window was a gift from Smith, Laux, and the Clear Fork Valley Women’s Club.

A painting depicting the seasons in southern Ohio. Each season features different animals exploring the wilderness.
The Seasons of Clear Fork Valley

The Seasons of Clear Fork Valley by Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) is at the Bellville branch near the children’s area. It was designed by students and faculty of CCAD – Paul Richmond and Marci Russell and faculty Mark Hazilrig and Tamara Peterson. The mural depicts the Clear Fork Valley in all four seasons. Customers at the Library can search for the hidden items within the mural: the letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0-9, and the world’s continents. The skyline of Columbus, Ohio can also be seen in the far distance. It was dedicated to the Library on December 15, 2001.

The children's department at the Lexington library that shows the ocean mural on the wall and stacks of children's books with displays.
Mural of the Aquarium

Mural of the Aquarium by Martha Fort is at the Lexington branch in the children’s area. Martha has created murals all over the world, including two on cruise ships. For this mural, she took inspiration from the sea. “While I painted nature murals for ten hours per day, I envisioned myself traveling to see all these landscapes in person, instead of looking at reference photographs.” The mural was painted in 2016.

A train leaving behind a town and entering into a forest. There are hidden states amongst the painting.
Mural at the Plymouth Library

This mural is at the Plymouth branch and was provided in part by a generous donation from the Friends of the Library. The mural was designed and created by Forman Richmond Murals, Columbus, Ohio, and completed at the Library in September 2002.