New Fairborn mural uplifts city, draws attention of best-selling author

Clark grew up right around the corner from the library. While working on the mural, she noted former neighbors, childhood friends, old teachers and other familiar faces regularly approached the lift as she painted to “thank her and give her love.”

“I was so excited to get to make this piece at this time in this city that’s really investing in its youth and in private business,” Clark said. “I’m a single mom (and) private business owner with a daughter who’s a senior this year. I just couldn’t think of a better gift to my old neighborhood — and to her (daughter).”

Clark utilized the existing windows on the side of the library to create the illusion the windows are part of the books. The idea is the library will be able to use the windows as interchangeable advertising space when new books, especially books by local authors, arrive.

The 21 books chosen to be included in the mural were thoughtfully selected by Clark with lots of input from the community.

The mural notably includes three books by Fairborn authors, a book by Antioch College alumna Coretta Scott King, a book titled “The Other Trail of Tears: The Removal of the Ohio Indians” chosen by Native Americans local to the area, and additional suggestions from librarians.

One particular book by world-renowned author Neil Gaiman was chosen by Clark because it’s one of her daughter’s favorites. Days after Clark announced the mural complete, Gaiman tweeted “What an amazing mural!” after someone let him know his book was a part of the piece.

“My eldest is a senior in Fairborn this year and I thought it was a nice gift to her to put one of her favorite books up there,” Clark said.