View photos of this wonderful park and see how it is progressing into a vital center of culture and recreation for Janesville.
Performance Backdrop
Vertical and horizontal stacks of oversize books join boulders and plantings on a sloping eathern berm designed to screen the library's covered parking area and present an intriguing natural backdrop for children's and adult programming. The books, like the river sculpture outside the library, are made of Cor-Ten steel. Titles of much-loved children's classics are featured in relief on these books created by artists Gail Simpson and Aristotle Georgiades.
Seating
Near the large storytelling tree, other oversized books offer places for children to perch during group and solo reading adventures. These steel book forms are painted in lively colors reminiscent of old book bindings. Tiltles of much-loved children's classics will be featured in relief on both the seats and in the performance backdrop. Benches that suit the style of the park are located around the storytelling tree and walkways.
Park Entry Art
Local children's art punctuates boldly painted aluminum panels that invite visitors to enter the park from the library parking lot. Milwaukee artist Richard Taylor translated children's drawings inspired by their favorite books into cutouts in the panels. Book titles and names of the young artists are displayed in text and braille next to the artwork. The industrial-strength finish is touchable and easy to maintain.
Brick Pavers
Read, Dream, Imagine is a recurring theme in the park. Translated into many languages, thes words are inscribed on large brick pavers near the storytelling tree.
Other large pavers list the titles of favorite books that resulted from a city-wide vote by Janesville children. This voting process began in 2001 with the help of library media specialists, teachers and daycare providers. Click here for winning titles to date.
Children, adults and families wishing to "buy a brick" can have their own favorite children's book title engraved on a paver, along with their name. Donors without a particular child in mind may also sponsor a brick that will be offered to a child who would not otherwise be represented. Donors may also specify other inscriptions, such as "In memory of" or "In honor of" a special person. Download order form.
The Storytelling Tree
A large oak tree planted near the library and surrounded by benches and walkways provides a shady spot for storytimes and special events. Since 2004, library staff have held regular August storytimes under the tree and such events as an Arbor Day Celebration, JPAC Welcome Party, Summer Library Program Finales and more have been held under its branches.
The tree was dedicated as a Freedom Tree by Alliant Energy, who provided funds for this project.
Bronze Sculpture
The bronze sculpture along the park walkway is by artist Jane DeDecker. Installed in July of 2003 the statue stands 32" tall. It depicts a small boy holding his teddy bear and favorite story.
