Library windows create an inviting atmosphere
The new art mural outside the Castle Pines Library was generously donated by neighborhood residents, the Soteres family.
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett
A new and innovative project at the Castle Pines Library provides not only a gentle sun shade for library patrons inside the library, but also an interesting and inviting mural for people passing the library’s exterior patio. The photo mural, which depicts readers of all ages enjoying books, was donated by Castle Pines residents Dr. Daniel Soteres and his wife Dr. Allison Sabel.
“Our family spends a lot of time in the library,” said Soteres, who is an allergist and a partner at Asthma & Allergy Associates in Colorado Springs. “My wife and I both feel really connected to the community and we also feel that education is important. Making a donation to the library was a great way to combine both of those interests.”
Once the donation was made, Douglas County Library graphic designer Susan O’Brien set to work, creating a picture to depict the pleasure that people in any age group can derive from the pages of a book.
“I like the new window art because it helps identify the building as a library,” said Castle Pines library manager, Sharon Lauchner. “It benefits the library because it gives it that identity and really makes the space stand out.”
Because of the nature of the perforated window vinyl used for the mural, patrons inside the library can’t see the pictures – in fact the window vinyl is a barely visible screen, simply providing a gentle filtering of the sun in the floor-to-ceiling windows on the building’s east wall. Outside, however, the pictures are visible to anyone who might happen to be walking or driving past – or perhaps reading a newly-checked-out book on the library’s patio benches.
Above the mural is an inscription from the Soteres family which reads: “Take these words, like seeds, and sow them that they may grow your mind.”
“A library in a community is essential to help our children,” said Sabel, who is the Director of Biostatistics and Clinical Data Warehousing at Denver Health Medical Center. “We wanted to do something to enhance the library and to foster a learning environment.”
The Soteres family – Dr. Daniel Soteres, Dr. Allison Sabel, Fletcher (age 5) and Madeleine (age 3).
