The Friends of the Oakdale Library, as part of its ongoing effort to enhance and beautify the outdoor area of the Oakdale Library and to honor its many extraordinary friends since the organization’s formation, is gifting a new mural to the Oakdale Library.

Painting of the mural on the blank patio wall is scheduled to occur, weather permitting, during the 20th annual National Friends of Libraries Week, being observed Oct. 19 – Oct. 25. Local artist, Lindsey Wetenkamp, designed the mural, which features a whimsical “reading tree” and she plans to start painting on Monday, Oct. 20. Wetenkamp expects it will take about five days to complete. The library is at 151 S. First Ave., Oakdale.

“Most of the painting will occur during the library’s open hours, so we are inviting the public to stop by and watch the ‘tree’ grow,” said Sharon Arpoika, President of the Friends organization.

The Friends of the Oakdale Library was officially established in 1963 and has raised thousands of dollars for the library to date. The patio and outdoor learning area project began several years ago when late board member – and Friends ‘sparkplug’ – Rosalie Osman spearheaded the effort to allow the library to use Meyer Park as an outdoor learning center. The park was originally donated to the City of Oakdale by the Meyer family. The city and county collaborated to make this happen.

Previous gifts from the Friends for the outdoor learning area include the shade structure over the cement slab and the colorful “reading posts” in its flowerpots, painted by former Oakdale artist Chloe Fonda, and the tables, chairs and large umbrella in the patio space. The Friends, Arpoika added, “also want to give a shout out” to members of the Oakdale Garden Club who keep the flowerpots filled with beautiful flowers throughout the year.

“The library has played such an important role in my life,” said Arpoika. “I truly enjoy being able to give something back – and being an active member of this group is rewarding.”

Other officers of the organization are: Michael O’Neal, vice president; Tricia Turner, secretary; Diane Korupp, treasurer; Sofia Hudson, Barbara Craig, Teri Curtis, Janet Wade and Bri Swan, directors at large; and historian, Jessica Brennan.

“Our Friends are an essential part of the success of the library,” noted Assistant County Librarian, Bryan Sontag. “The funds they raise help us provide better services and programs to the community. I think most customers would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends.”

The mission of The Friends of the Oakdale Library, Inc., is to advocate for and support the Oakdale Public Library. It raises and provides funds to enhance projects, programs, collections and services beyond those normally included in the Library’s annual budget. To do this it relies on fundraisers, its annual fund drive, and donations from community members, organizations and businesses.

To learn more about the Friends or to make a donation to defray mural costs or support other library services and programs, check out their website: friendsoakdalelibrary.org.