Staff and customer creations enliven Heights Libraries

Victor Cimperman, Heights Libraries graphic designer, puts the finishing touches on the tree canopy in the children's area of the Noble Neighborhood Library.

The next time you visit the Noble Neighborhood Library, head downstairs to the children’s area to see the long-awaited, crowning jewel of the library’s renovation: a warm, inviting canopy of leaves on the whimsical tree that serves as the centerpiece of the area. Victor Cimperman, Heights Libraries’ graphic designer, designed and installed the canopy, which was sewn by Carmen’s Drapery, a Cleveland Heights business.

“One of Victor’s many skills is his ability to create incredible three-dimensional pieces,” said Nancy Levin, Heights Libraries director. “His sets for our Hobbit Quest program in December included a hobbit house, a mill and Smaug the Dragon’s head.”

Cimperman, however, is quick to point out that he isn’t the only staff member with creative skills. “So many of the librarians are incredibly talented,” he said. Cimperman cites Henry Drak, youth services librarian, as an example. Drak created Smaug’s body from scratch, including its enormous wings. Drak also created a “dream cloud” using chicken wire and coffee filters. It floats near the children’s magazines in the Lee Road Library.

The children’s areas in the four branches also benefit from the creative work of young patrons, whose artwork often adorns the walls and display cases. Programs such as Cozy Crafts, Creat(eens) and Saturday Craft Corner give kids opportunities for creative expression.

The adult areas also benefit from the creative touch of the staff and library users. Maggie Rose, adult services librarian, has been creating simple, humorous displays that attract curious patrons. The Computer Gallery at the Lee Road Library gives residents a venue where they can display their original artwork at no charge, and the annual Heights Library Photo Contest submissions and winners receive prominent display at the library’s branches and on the website.

“The art, displays and sculptural elements in our buildings create a vivid, fun atmosphere that sends the message that our libraries are living, vital, energetic places full of creative materials and opportunities,” said Levin. “What could be more conducive to our mission of ‘Opening Doors, Opening Minds’?”

When you stop by a Heights Libraries branch, take a moment to walk around and enjoy the creative efforts of the staff and your neighbors.

Sheryl Banks

Sheryl Banks is the marketing and community relations manager for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library.

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Volume 6, Issue 2, Posted 11:50 AM, 01.31.2013