Written by Bri Grygo, Youth Library Assistant
I’d love to share some exciting new additions to our building. They’re all outside, transforming spaces that most people might pass by without a second thought, until now!
In September, when I began my role at the Carnegie Carnegie, I learned that our Teen Library Council (TLC) envisioned transforming our outdoor patio with a mural. Children’s Librarian Mikayla Wobrak and I prioritized connecting with more teens to bring this project to life and ensure the mural reflected our community of teen voices.
We partnered with educators Marlynn Vayanos and Rachel Enck from the Carlynton Junior-Senior High School Art Department, as well as the Carlynton Genders and Sexualities Alliance. Carnegie Carnegie board member and educator Don Alexander connected us with artist Amanda Lynn of the LIGHT Education Initiative, who guided the planning process with her expertise.
The mural’s theme is literature as a portal to other worlds. The design features a cozy forest scene with a “You Are Here” signpost in Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Turkish. Other elements of the mural include monarch butterflies fluttering by a stained-glass portal, a dragon in front of an oceanside castle, a tree growing out of a book, and more. The project was teen-led and full of teen voices. Twenty Carlynton students and three educators, across grades 6 through 12, painted the mural on Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
I was lucky enough to be involved in the workdays! I was amazed by the talent and determination of our community of teens as they worked to produce high-quality art. Many students were hunched over their projects, working from ladders or standing on stairs, and no one blinked an eye. Their dedication and perseverance were impressive to witness.
I encourage all community members to visit the Teen Space Patio and fully experience this piece.
In addition to the mural, there have been several other transformations along the side of the building! Earlier in 2026, Executive Director Marlee Gallagher secured a grant from the AEO Foundation that allowed us to install five raised garden beds, including one elevated, accessible bed designed to accommodate gardeners of all mobilities.
These beds are tended to by the Teen Garden Club, whose members focus on companion planting to support pollinators, wildlife, and a healthy garden ecosystem. Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants together so they can benefit one another by attracting beneficial insects, improving soil health, deterring pests, and increasing biodiversity. For example, we have cucumbers, dill, calendula, and marigolds alongside one another. The dill is attracting beneficial insects and pollinators, while calendula and marigolds help deter pests. By thoughtfully pairing plants that support one another, the club is creating a thriving garden that benefits both the plants and the surrounding environment.
Be sure to stop by the Library soon to check out our new mural and garden projects! Want to help our garden beds grow? We are looking for a couple volunteers to help with weekend watering this summer. Please reach out to Bri at grygob2@carnegiecarnegie.org if you are interested. Thanks in advance!
