Artist adds color, whimsy to library’s book drop
The book drop at the Captiva Memorial Library recently received a new island-y update.
Funded by the Captiva Memorial Library Board with approval from the Lee County Library System, the standard green metal box was painted over by artist Lauri Kaihlanen, a longtime well-known visitor of the island. He also touched up his work on the U.S. Post Office box that he had done decades ago.
“Folks love it,” library Branch Manager Colleen Barany said of the artsy book drop.
“It’s bright and colorful,” she added. “It’s very attractive.”
Barany noted that Kaihlanen also created the art on the canvas book bags sold by the board.
According to Lisa Riordan, president of the Captiva Memorial Library Board, the idea behind the updated book drop stemmed from a situation involving the post office mailbox. The federal office had advised the island that it had to have standard colors on the box, not Kaihlanen’s colorful artwork.
“We thought with the loss of that mailbox, what could we do to keep that sort of whimsical art on Captiva,” she said, noting that the postmaster was allowed to keep the box onsite as a planter.
Riordan explained that Kaihlanen’s family has been coming to the island for years.
“People were very disappointed to hear that we were losing the mailbox,” she said.
“His art is sort of a fixture,” Riordan added. “Many people have Lauri’s art on their golf carts.”
The Captiva Memorial Library Board raises funds in the community and then spends the money to supplement and provide programs at the library and funding for projects that Lee County cannot.
“One of the projects we talked about was asking the county for permission to have an artist paint our book return,” she said. “It was a perfect opportunity to showcase Lauri’s work in the community.”
Ron Gibson, board treasurer and a friend of Kaihlanen, reached out to the artist about the possible project and coordinated it. The board worked with the county for months, including sending a draft of the artwork for the book drop, and eventually received approval to move forward with the project.
With contributions from the island, the board brought Kaihlanen down from Nov. 3-17.
“He spent almost every day painting the book drop,” she said.
Riordan described Kaihlanen’s work as unique, noting that the updated book drop represents it.
“We’re talking about very whimsical critters that are found here on Captiva,” she said. “He has birds, he’s got a fish, he’s got a manatee. They’re riding a bicycle, they’re driving a golf cart.”
The entire project cost about $1,800.
“We have to give credit to American Realty of Captiva, who made a very generous donation toward housing for Lauri and his wife,” Riordan said. “They housed them in their Captiva Cottages.”
While on island, Kaihlanen also took time to touch up the post office mailbox.
“The library board was able to get two things done at the same time,” she said referring to the two painting projects. “And keep the wonderful artwork that we’re used to here on the island.”
Riordan noted that the board was happy to fund the project.
“So the uniqueness of Captiva and its library is front and center,” she said.
The Captiva Memorial Library Board funds programs and projects for adults and children in the community, as well as island visitors. To make a donation to the board, checks can be made out to the Captiva Memorial Library Board and dropped off at the island library or mailed in to the branch.
The board also raises funds by selling coffee table books and the book bags at the library.
The branch is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information on a program, call 239-533-4890.
For more information, call 239-533-4890 or visit www.leegov.com/library/branches/cv.
The Captiva Memorial Library is at 11560 Chapin Lane.