Libraries Live Journal - Journal - Page 1
The Mother of Libraries
Michaela’s final commissioned piece
shows the maternal, female face of the
library being held up and supported by
the hands of the volunteers, all holding
books with the names of the participants
and volunteers during the residency.
They are on top of a garden that is being
nurtured by the many creatures that live
in her, with a nod to the saying ‘Many
Hands Make Light Work’.
The creatures represent the different
users of the library, including references
to library activities – teapots, knitting,
books, etc.
The base has shelves which can be used
for library purposes, and is decoupaged
with various floral motifs and birds,
hinting at the growth of the library and
the volunteer army within.
A book titled ‘Mother of Libraries’
accompanies the sculpture, telling its
story, detailing Michaela’s thoughts and
ideas throughout the residency.
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‘She (the mother of libraries) is a kind
of patron saint of volunteer libraries.
I am putting lots of references on the
sculpture about the residency and how
I see the volunteers doing their jobs –
growing in the community, everybody
putting a little bit in, and coming up with
this community hub for Water Orton.’
Artist Michaela McMillan