Library Celebrates Murals and Milestones

White County Public Library has been a tremendous part of the county’s history, but the library has endeavored to celebrate more than just their own history. At a ribbon cutting August 27, the library celebrated two huge events: the official unveiling of Tommy Narramore’s masterpiece mural on the wall facing Bockman Way, as well as the 20-year anniversary for the library at 11 North Church Street.

Anyone who has passed through Bockman the past few months has undoubtedly noticed the beautiful mural painted across the wall below the library. Local artist Tommy Narramore has worked tirelessly to create this tapestry of White County history. The library chose a handful of people, locations, and themes that define our area’s arts and natural beauty. Starting with the old Sparta Spoke Factory, the mural depicts performers, artistry, businesses, and areas such as the famous Lester Flatt, pottery and other arts, and Scott’s Gulf Wilderness. The goal was to capture the essence of artistic history in the county, and Narramore’s paintings have brought that vision to life.

Librarian Cathy Farley has been thrilled with the entire event, from the moment the mural was planned up to now. She said:

“When good people come together, great things happen. This project came to fruition due to the work of a lot of good people. First, the Library Foundation had the funding to pay for this project, ensuring that no tax dollars were spent. It was all donations. Secondly, Brent Young had a desire to improve our community through art. Next, we were able to secure the services of renowned artist Tommy Narramore, who has spent his life making Sparta a more beautiful place, one painting at a time. The Library board, Friends of the Library, and the staff joined in to help in every way they could and made the celebration a huge success. But most of the credit goes to the public. The library would be nothing if we had no one to serve. Not only do they allow us to serve, they come through for us in ways that you can never imagine. Working with this community at the library brings joy and purpose to my life.”

The library was also celebrating 20 years of operation at their current location. Many in the county may recall the move off Main Street back in 2006. Back then, the library had dozens of miniature scissors to let the children help cut the ribbon. To harken back to that, as the ribbon was cut in front of the mural for this celebration, the library once again handed out tiny little scissors so everyone could join in.

White County Public Library is a special place, and the community can hope they continue to serve for 20 more years, and beyond that still. And for anyone passing through Bockman Way, make sure to take a glance at Narramore’s masterpiece. Sparta’s history is written all over it.