Carson City Supervisors approve library book mural without titles; wants public to envision their own beloved reads
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Thu, 09/21/2023 - 12:51pm
Carson City Supervisors voted Thursday to approve the proposed library mural as part of the Music and Murals Festival that begins next week.
Following discussions, supervisors voted to keep all titles off the spines of the books, to allow the community to envision their own favorite reads and let the art "speak to them" as individuals.
Supervisors were in favor of both the mural itself, as well as the general idea of adding more murals to Carson City.
“It brings a sense of pride to those buildings,” Supervisor Stacey Giomi said.
“The addition of a mural is a great thing,” Supervisor Curt Horton said.
“Murals really enhance the community,” Supervisor Maurice White said.
Supervisors and staff discussed whether or not to have book titles included on the spines of the mural-books, and the recommendation was to include genres rather than specific works.
Five spines with subject titles were suggested by staff and the artist which are as follows:
- Nevada History, to also be written in Spanish
- Westerns
- Cooking and Gardening
- Children’s Books, also written in Spanish
- Technology
“I wish we had more time because I think it would be really cool to honor authors,” Giomi said. “To put a Mark Twain book there we are historically tied to Mark Twain. I think it’s a missed opportunity to not do that. There are Native American (subjects) like Dat-so-la-lee … but I don’t want perfection to stand in the way of progress, and I recognize that.”
Horton said he does not believe there should be any titles on the spines, but rather, people can observe the mural and imagine the titles they want.
“There are so many authors out there and we can’t pay homage to all of them,” Horton said. “It will also provide for easier maintenance. The simpler we keep it, the better off we’ll be.”
Mayor Lori Bagwell said she agreed, and that art looks different to every person who perceives it, which is “the beauty of art.”
“I like letting it speak to you,” she added. “Beautiful colors and spines will be fine.”
Supervisor White agreed with Horton, specifically due to the ease of maintenance, especially since Carson City is contracted for maintenance and upkeep of the mural for three years.
“Anytime you paint I think you should expect more than three years, whether it’s painting a building or art,” White said.
Supervisors approved of the mural with no titles on the spines, which will be created on the Roop-facing wall of the Library during the Music and Murals Festival throughout Carson City.
