Westport Public Library BOOK blog

One of the most remarked upon features of the Library is the tile mural on the Riverwalk Level outside the McManus Meeting Room. Authors who come here to speak inevitably slow down as they approach the wall and ask about it. That it is a chronological history of the town of Westport based on actual information from the Library History file and that the picture tiles were handmade to each donor’s specifications by a local artist enhance the significance of the project which raised about $250,000 for the Library building’s first expansion. The wall covers the flow of local history from the Pequot Wars in 1637 to the 1998 renovation of the Library. Tile sponsors could request that artist Marion Grebow create the likenesses of family members on individual tiles. Tiles without pictures cost less to purchase, but have provided years of enjoyment to families looking for children’s, grandchildren’s or grandparent’s names each time they return to the Library.

Want an interesting crash course in Westport history? At the Library store, you may purchase a catalog of the historical tile mural written by former Library Board member Dorothy Curran. Pictures of the tiles are included. (River of Names $10) Whether you are new to town or have been here for many years, I guarantee that delving into the tile mural- in the book or on the wall- will reveal some new aspect of life in Westport through the years.