Readers in Flesh and Bronze

boy book and dog

A Boy, His Book and His Dog - 2011

Large white tapered pillars support the upper level of the Selby Public Library in downtown Sarasota. The pillars create a shaded arcade on all four sides of the building. Near a side entrance that overlooks a small park is a lifesize bronze sculpture of a boy reading with his dog beside him on the bench. It is a romantic image inviting one to enjoy the adventure of books.

On many days there are also flesh and blood readers sitting or leaning in the shade of those large pillars — perhaps waiting for the library to open, or just enjoying the shade. Appearing somehow less romantic, one wonders if any of these readers are the literate homeless and unemployed.

Shadowed Reader - 2011

Shadowed Reader - 2011

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