TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - The LeRoy Collins Library is celebrating 25 years with a dedication ceremony for a special life.
An oak tree that once stood out in front of the library has been memorialized and has been transformed into a sculpture by local artist John Birch.
In January, the tree was in poor health and steadily becoming a public safety concern so it was removed.
But what started as a safety concern has now turned into a way to encourage kids to read.
"What they'll take from it, I hope, is a big smile, you know warmness in them. The fact that they are reading is very important. If it's done online its a great way to get information. The book the girl is holding, it has tree fort written on it, meaning how to build a tree fort. The boy is reading, he's a cool kid and yet he also reads," said Birch.
The dedication was also celebrated with a story presentation and attendees were given commemorative pieces of the once alive oak tree.
