St. Louis (KSDK) - It was a big day for children at Most Holy Trinity School in St. Louis. The school has been around for 164 years, and for as long as anyone can remember, it hasn't had a library. Until Friday.
These third graders are getting their first glimpse at a world of possibilities. Thanks to a generous donor and unwavering support from volunteers, students can now grab a book and have a place to sit down and enjoy it.
The library was the brainchild of St. Louisan Susan Ludeman.
"Do you know that book? It's a good one, huh? Now you'll be able to come in here and check that out," said Ludeman.
Ludeman, who has volunteered at the school for a couple of years, took on the library project when she realized the school didn't have one.
"We designed it, you know, refinished furniture, painted book shelves," said Ludeman.
She enlisted the help of friend and artist Dana Stiebel whose mural based on T.S. Elliott's, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" adorns the walls.
"The theme of the book is animals that are familiar to urban city children, they aren't talking about capybaras and llamas, these are animals that the kids see every day," said Stiebel.
PHOTOS: Most Holy Trinity School unveils first library
There are cats, dogs, and even mice. And while Elliott's book has stood the test of time, they hope this little library will do the same for students at Most Holy Trinity School.
"If you got one kid who turned a corner because there was a beautiful library to go hide and read books," said Stiebel, "then you've paid for the library."
"They're wonderful children, they're eager to learn, eager to please, they are loving and I know that this will take them to places they can't go on their own, what every library does for all of us," said Ludeman.
Most Holy Trinity is an Archdiocesan-based elementary school serving 118 students. The library has 4,000 books, but it could use more. To donate, call Kim Lenz at (314)241-9165.
KSDK