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Arts commission discusses $15,000 library mural project and book-stair design
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Summary
The Seaside Art History Commission reviewed a $15,000 allocation to install a mural at the Seaside Public Library, discussed a book-spine/stair design that would highlight diverse and locally relevant titles (including librarian-author Carol Digory Shields), and asked staff to solicit bids and return with options.
The Seaside Art History Commission reviewed plans for a mural at the Seaside Public Library, funded with a $15,000 allocation for fiscal year 2526. The chair said the mural would be coordinated between NEST, recreation staff and library staff and asked commissioners to provide input on design and titles.
Commissioners discussed a proposal to render book spines or titles on the library stairway, mirroring printed-book colors and fonts so the installation would read as a stack of recognizable titles. One commissioner noted the commission should prioritize inclusive, diverse selections and suggested featuring a local librarian-author, Carol Digory Shields, who has worked at the Seaside Library for about 20 years and was recently honored with a literacy medal.
Members raised practical concerns including legibility from different viewing angles, the physical challenge of fitting titles on stairs, ensuring chosen titles remain in print, and potential trademark or licensing issues for distinctive fonts. A commissioner said reproducing a book spine alone likely does not require licensing but warned that proprietary fonts could be restricted.
The commission did not approve final artwork or commit additional funds at the meeting. Instead, members asked staff to solicit local bids/quotes, prepare cost estimates and circulate suggested title lists and proofs; commissioners agreed to review proofs and return the item to a future meeting for final decisions.
