It’s a Beautiful Day Statue

This statue at Chris Salmon Plaza was designed by Bronzeman.

Look at this picture! The photo was taken over 65 years ago, before tablets and smartphones existed. It shows Stillwater’s first library at Sixth Street and Husband.

Today, the building is being transformed into a hotel inspired by books and reading. Would you like to stay in a hotel inspired by an old library?

To learn more about Stillwater History visit the Stillwater History Museum. On the corner of 7th and Duncan.

P = POINT OUT: Can you find the Japanese letters or characters? That means, "friendship." Who are your friends?

L = LAUGH: Can you make big eyes like the dragon? Wasn't that silly to try?

= ASK: Why are there buildings on the top and bottom?

Y = YAY: What is your favorite color in the mural?

"I Spy" is a great activity for children of all ages. here are some ideas of things to find!

o   I spy knees! How many? What other body parts can you find?

o   Do you see hair? How is her hair fixed?

o   What book do you think the girl is reading? What’s your favorite book?

o   Why do you think she is on her tummy?

Watch your baby to see what draws their attention first. Talk about what they notice.

“What does she have in her hands? She is reading a book! We read books together!” Talk about

a favorite book you have read together.

Point to and name the girl’s eyes, nose, hair, and other features. Then point to and name your

baby’s features as well.

Is your child interested in a particular part of the statue? Talk about what catches their attention first.

Touch the book and ask, “What book do you think she is reading?” You might also ask, “Would you like to take a book outside and read together?”

Introduce the word “statue.” Talk about the different textures you notice, such as smooth, rough, hard, or soft.

The bird is flying over the city. What would it see?

Cranes often stand on one foot. Let's count how long you can stand on one foot.

Expand the playful learning experience with the Stillwater Public Library. The library has created an Early Literacy activity backpack that can be checked out and taken home. Visit the library or place a hold on the backpack here.

Learn more about Japan and Japanese culture with picture books.

Check out picture books about friendship

Check out easy readers about friendship