The "Best Friends" Statue

Thanks to our “Friends”

Two friendly bronze children inhabit a small bench in front of the library inviting passers-by to share a story with them.  There are many books to read, they seem to suggest, in the building behind…

When the Library was renovated in 2003, some artistic flourishes were omitted. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at the time was Betty Chelmow, also a Building Committee member, who envisioned an art piece to greet library visitors near the children’s room entrance. However, the cost of a commissioned statue, proved insurmountable when many practical needs presented themselves, and the statue never materialized.

Betty has since retired from the Board but her fervor continued to inspire the Board to complete the project. Thanks to the Friends of the Library who accepted the challenge from the Board of Trustees, a statue is now situated at the Library’s entrance that fulfills the original aspirations of the Building Committee. The piece, entitled “Best Friends” depicts two smiling children seated on a bench enjoying a book together. The Americana style conjures the timelessness of this scene experienced by past and future generations of Canton children. We decided to locate the statue where it could best welcome everyone, and remind us that the Library is a central part of the community, in the same way reading and sharing stories is a central part of life.

The statue is part of the Randolph Rose Collection and is cast in bronze using the ancient and traditional “lost wax” method of casting. The “Best Friends” design is one of no more than twenty copies, each one unique in its patina. More information on the casting process is available on the Randolph Rose Collection website. The statue was purchased exclusively with private donations to the Friends. We believe it is aptly titled. 

The statue was installed by our Library Custodians.  A dedication of the statue is planned for the fall of 2015.