August 31, 2026 – The Decatur Public Library is celebrating its 150-year history with a new hand-painted mural that brings generations of the library’s story together in one public artwork.
The mural, located on the outer wall of the library’s Local History Room, was designed and painted by local artist Shannon Cook. The project took approximately two months to complete.
Cook collaborated with library staff to develop a design that reflects the library’s history and continued impact on the Decatur community. The mural draws inspiration from the library’s logo, its 150-year history and the PBS program Reading Rainbow.
Images incorporated into the mural highlight different eras and elements of the library’s history, including Carnegie, Franklin, bookmobiles and READiculous.
The mural was funded through the Illinois Arts Council’s America’s 250th Anniversary Public Art Grant, which supports public art projects commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Decatur Public Library Head of Archives and Special Collections Becky Damptz said the mural helps showcase the library’s historical significance and its role as a longstanding part of the community.
City Librarian Rick Meyer said Cook’s work captures generations of stories within the library and provides an opportunity to celebrate the institution’s history through public art.
Cook said she was honored to create the mural and showcase fine art in a public space surrounded by books and other physical media, which she said feel more important than ever.
