Library Murals
Original artwork by Marjoriet Gueche for the Fairview Free Public Library
Follow for more artwork and illustrations onInstagram: @Pupurishu_art
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The Fairview Library’s Children’s Section was truly a dream project, and I loved every moment of working on it. This library—and the people in it—represent everything a “home” is supposed to feel like. Knowing I’d be there each day filled me with excitement. Walking in and seeing familiar, friendly faces, sharing conversations, and watching the staff support one another like family created a warmth I looked forward to. Getting to know the patrons was a daily joy.
I set out to spark imagination and wonder, but this project ended up giving me even more in return. The entire mural is dedicated to a younger version of myself—the girl who loved visiting the library, the one who didn’t yet know all the ways she could contribute to children’s literacy, but would’ve jumped at the chance if she had.
This new space is for the young dreamers who see the world in color, who narrate their days by talking to squirrels and watching the trees sway. It’s for the children who see stories simply by paying attention, who stitch together dreamscapes that beg to be scribbled onto paper.
It’s also for the kids who doodle endlessly in their notebooks, who invent characters and faraway lands, who carry art supplies everywhere just in case inspiration strikes and a masterpiece is ready to be born.
Children’s books and reading aloud are where it all begins. The value of this project isn’t measured in dollars, but in memories, feelings, inspiration—and it all starts with something as small and powerful as a library card.
Dear young Marjoriet: your big, book-loving heart has finally left its mark in your hometown in a way bigger than you could’ve imagined. I am so deeply thankful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to dream up more magic for more libraries.
A library card is a ticket to adventure, sparked by all the worlds, languages, cultures, and hobbies waiting to be discovered. This small card unlocks knowledge, imagination, and countless journeys for free. Giving a child a library card opens the door to so much more than books. It’s access to community, free classes, museum passes, computers, media, and endless stories that help them explore worlds they never could’ve dreamed up. It’s new friends, new skills, and relationships that last. A library card shines with color, possibility, and a little bit of magic.
Throughout the mural project I hosted classes to have local kids understand the process of publishing a book. The point was the celebrate “the books” but also introduce to them the many steps and careers available to consider. This was a direct and intentional part of the mural concept for those children who love books as much as I did.
Authors
We talked about how writing a book starts with a single idea and grows through notes, rough drafts, scribbles, edits, revisions and more edits. The process is full of thinking, adding, removing and reshaping, without the pressure of creating a masterpiece on the first try.
I focused on teaching them that brainstorming, taking their time, revisiting their work and rewriting as much as they need is completely OK. We looked at J.K. Rowling’s early notes and sketches, the way she built characters, and how the world of Harry Potter took years of development.
Being an author is challenging but rewarding, and the biggest lesson is this: never feel discouraged if you have to cross everything out and start again. It’s all part of the magic.
Illustrators
Not every kid is meant to be a writer, but the ones who’ve been doodling their whole lives? They’re shaping childhood memories—sometimes the kind that eventually end up on screens as animated characters. What starts as a stick figure or a loose sketch can grow into something unforgettable with just a few details and a splash of color.
Think of Captain Underpants. A simple childhood drawing that inspired full series, sparked imaginations, and paved the way for characters like Dog Man and Pete the Cat. Once that creative spark lights up, kids start picking up more books, exploring new stories, and discovering whole worlds—often all because of drawings that once lived in a notebook.
Encouraging kids and their unique talents matters. You never know which small sketch could grow into something internationally celebrated.
Storyboarding & Editors
So, the reality is not every kid wants to be a writer or illustrator—what other ways can they make a big impact? The world of book publishing is full of opportunities. That’s where storyboards, editors, graphic designers, and other behind-the-scenes roles come in.
Storyboards help map out the story visually before it becomes a finished book, guiding pacing, scenes, and character placement.
Editors play a crucial role too—they help shape the story, catch mistakes, suggest improvements, and make sure the author’s vision is clear and polished.
Graphic designers contribute by designing layouts, fonts, and page flow, turning words and illustrations into a cohesive, engaging book. Even if you’re not drawing or writing, your skills can be essential in bringing a story to life.
Book Covers & Publishers
A book cover is the very first hello a story gives a reader—a single glance that can spark curiosity, wonder, and excitement. Designing it is an art, a thoughtful process that captures the heart of the story and draws the right audience in.
From there, publishers take the baton, bringing the story to life for readers everywhere. They work closely with authors, editors, and designers to ensure every book leaves a lasting impression, creating memories that linger long after the last page is turned.
Because children’s books don’t just tell stories—they shape imaginations, inspire dreams, and stay with a child forever. As Fred Rogers said, “The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only through the child’s sense of wonder.” Every role in creating a book—seen or unseen—plays a part in that magic.
