​An Open Book, a collaborative artwork by Mayme Kratz, Debra Hopkins, and Valerie Vadala, is inspired by the book as a physical object and as one of the principle tools associated with learning.   The piece focuses on the letters of the alphabet as the primary building blocks of our language and learning systems.  Gently gracing a curved wall, the 56 individual cast resin blocks enhance the contemporary lines and floor-to-ceiling glass walls of the new library and create a dramatic sculptural design element.  The blocks are cast of an amber colored resin which varies in intensity of tone.  Each block is cast individually and include organic and natural objects as well as various found objects.  Through the incorporation of significant text with the objects, the artists stress to the viewer the importance of literacy and learning, encourage further exploration and learning, and celebrate cultural diversity.  Each block is engraved with a letter of the alphabet and includes a word and poem related to the letter.  The artists hoped to provide the viewer with a way to explore the materials provided by the alphabet on a different level.  An Open Book encourages viewers of all ages to explore and use the limitless educational resources housed in the library.