There’s a new sparkle in the Clearwater Library recently with the edition of a piece of stained glass artwork that’s now hanging in the front window.

Clearwater Librarian Cyrene Bastien had the artwork commissioned in memory of Library Assistant Wanda Phelps who passed away unexpected in 2017. 

“I wanted to pay tribute to Wanda,” said Bastien. “She’d worked here at the library for 15 years.”

She spoke with friends of Phelps who agreed they’d like to see something in the library to remember her with and the idea of a stained glass piece was decided upon.

After speaking with her family Bastien discovered that, along with books, hummingbirds and red tulips were some of Phelps’ favorite things. Local artist and library patron Penny Leuthard took the information and, after some back and forth deliberation, created a design for the artwork incorporating them.

Terri Morgan, an artist and library patron from Big Lake, was hired to create the actual stained glass artwork. The completed piece was installed last month.

“It brings tears and a smile to my face when I look at it hanging there,” said Bastien. 

The beautiful memorial also brings a smile to the faces of those that knew Phelps; Bastien hears compliments about the artwork all the time.

Phelps wished every patron exiting the library to “Have a good rest of your day;” a sign communicating that sentiment now sits next to the self-checkout station. That sign, along with the new artwork, ensures Phelps’ memory lives on at the library.