GLENVILLE, WV – A mural showcasing some of the most famous books in literary history is underway on the wall behind the Robert F. Kidd Library at Glenville State College (GSC). Students, faculty, and staff have come together to paint the spines of the popular books on sections of the wall, leaving a colorful array of titles and images.
Individuals were given the opportunity to choose their own book or select one from a list of most notable titles. Thus far, over 70 books have been, or will be, added to the mural wall.
Senior integrated marketing major, Leslee Coffman, has painted several books onto the mural wall, including The Hunger Games, Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and Howl’s Moving Castle. “I think the mural is a very important piece to our campus! It displays many cherished novels and showcases our students’ abilities. In a time when we can’t be altogether at once, the mural brings us together as it’s slowly pieced together,” she said.
“When ideas for campus beautification were being developed, discussions between GSC First Lady, Virginia ‘Gigi’ Manchin, myself, and Associate Professor of Art, Duane Chapman, evolved into a project for the entire campus to participate in,” said Robert F. Kidd Library Director, Jason Gum. “With special attention being paid to the current pandemic regarding all campus operations, this provided the library with the opportunity to sponsor a socially distanced activity that was also completed in the outdoors.”
Gum says the process is around 80% complete and will be finished when warmer conditions arrive in the spring.
“The quality of the artwork is outstanding, and a wide range of style and book genre representation has created a unique piece of art for the campus to enjoy for years to come. Through the generosity of several friends of the library, initiatives such as this and many other operational improvements are made possible. For this specific project, professional mural paints and supplies were provided. We want to thank Terry and Nasia Butcher, Sue Ann Charles, and Larry M. Lemasters for their continued support of the Robert F. Kidd Library at Glenville State College,” he said.
For junior early education major, Carissa Yoak, participating in the mural project was a way of giving back to the campus that she has called home for the last three years. “Offering a hand in the library mural at Glenville State College has been a pleasure. This masterpiece has assisted with beautifying our campus, and as a current student, I hope it lasts for many years to come. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time as President of the Early Education Student Group with members painting The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. I was happy to take part and participate in giving back to the beloved GSC campus that has provided so much to me,” she said.
