Historic tiles benefit Albert Wisner Public Library

Warwick — As Patrick Gallagher, a member of the Albert Wisner Public Library’s Board of Governors, once quipped: “You don’t have to be Andrew Carnegie to have your name on a library anymore.” Shortly after the new library at One McFarland Drive opened in 2009, the Board of Directors commissioned renowned ceramic artist Marion Grebow to create a mural composed of individually designed, hand-sculpted and painted bas-relief tiles. Many of the historical markers are now on the mural to the right of the library’s entrance. A number of tiles, however, are still available and can be reserved for a reasonable donation as remembrances. They may commemorate people, places or events significant in local history or as a tribute for any occasion. And all historic tiles will include a name plaque to acknowledge the donor. Mechelle Casciotta, owner of Kitchen and Bath Works-Warwick, for example, recently purchased a tile to honor Radio Station WTBQ. To commemorate the history of the station she submitted a recent photograph of longtime broadcaster Dick Wells seated behind the mike during his Saturday program. Wells had been an important contributor to the success of the station since the early days when he shared broadcasting duties in the original studio with WTBQ founder Ed Klein. Commemorative historic tiles now on display include those honoring the original Albert Wisner Library, the Warwick Valley Telephone Company, the Pine Island black dirt region and the Warwick Valley Railroad. Economically priced Quotation, Name and Book Spine Tiles are also available. For additional information or to request an order form call 986-1047 ext. 5.