Bay Minette Public Library receives new painted bench

BAY MINETTE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — The Bay Minette Public Library has a new spot for patrons to sit and read while waiting on a Baldwin Rural Area Transportation System bus.

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According to a press release from the City of Bay Minette, the new functional artwork bench was painted by local artist Nancy Dean and funded by a North Baldwin Community Foundation grant.

Officials said the bench, which was painted in the theme of the "Magic School Bus" book series and the BRATS bus, is intended to "enrich the library environment and serve a practical purpose."

"The Magic School Bus is one of my favorite series, and I was hoping that the artist, Nancy Dean, could incorporate it into the bench," Library Director Joanna Bailey said. "I told her that the purpose of the bench was to provide a place for BRATS bus riders and those needing a ride to sit while they wait. I was blown away by Nancy's creativity and cleverness with the Magic BRATS Bus theme."

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The new addition is the third painted bench at the library, the release said. The other two benches, which were installed in January 2023 in partnership with the Committee of Public Arts, were themed using scenes from children's books.

Officials said as the bench was not the first, it also won't be the last. Library Director Joanna Bailey said she hopes to see the project grow with even more functional works of art.