Margaret Walker Alexander Library Upgraded with Outdoor Mural
Artists paint side of Margaret Walker Alexander Library.
On May 25, local artists and community volunteers joined the Jackson Friends of the Library (JFOL) to paint a mural on the exterior side of the Margaret Walker Alexander Library in West Jackson. The same group of volunteers also shelved books inside of the library with books from the Eudora Welty Library, which is now permanently closed. A quilt pattern was chosen to honor the work, inspired by the library namesake’s work. Alexander’s novel Jubilee depicts imagery of a quilt, symbolizing the strength, resiliency and the creative spirit that allowed the women in the novel to cope with death, poverty and other hardships.
“This is a beautiful addition to this library and to the community. I grew up in the Pecan Park area, and this library has been a cornerstone of knowledge and community connection,” said JAN Ward 5 Board Representative Ruthania Hudson. “With the recent decline of libraries in the Jackson area, it is refreshing to know that this library is still going strong. I hope this momentum continues and the community actively assists with supporting the library and its staff.”
One of the project's main goals is to bring positive attention to the local library system and beautify the branch. “For me, it’s investing in the thing that matters to my family,” said Kateri Gill, a Jackson artist who was contracted by JFOL to work on the project. “It’s a place where we can go. There’s also not a lot of spaces that are free that you can come to. We want to make sure that those get preserved for all of us and for our kids for the generations.”
The next paint day is scheduled for June 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Kateri Gill at 651.387.2538 or at kateriaris@gmail.com. This project is in partnership with the Mississippi Arts Commission, Jackson Friends of the Library, the Jackson-Hinds Library System, and Forman Watkins & Krutz, LLP.
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