“A wonderful memory from the old Champaign Public Library”

By Nancy C., November 2007

My children grew up in Champaign and by association in the library. We were regular and frequent users of the library for the books but also for other activities, especially family events.

I think in April 1981 (I found a certificate of participation for that date anyway), there was a family sidewalk mural event one Saturday only it rained so we went inside to do our drawing on butcher paper. The goal was to draw a favorite book. Mike, Jim and I chose the KAAHBAHBLOOOM pages from Drummer Hoff by Ed Emberley. Jim, who would have been 13, did the drawing while Mike, age 9, and I (undisclosed age) did the coloring with felt tip markers.

The beauty of being sent inside was that the mural was preserved. After the drawings were displayed we took ours home.I found that rolled up mural a few years ago among saved memories.I have since had it framed. It now has a prominent place (size 36×52) on my den wall to be enjoyed every day. I have attached a photo of the piece [shown above].