Mammoth Library benches dedication

Cleland Hoff, Artists Todd Unangst and Brian Jones and Project Mgr. Jo Bacon were on hand Monday, Dec. 2 to dedicate the three benches which make up the reading area for the “Path to Literacy” which connects Mammoth Lakes Library to the Cerro Coso campus.

To further talk about the Path to Literacy asphalt walkway and benches, Jo Bacon said the $60,000 project was paid for by a combination of local donations and state and federal grants. It took six years to shepherd to completion.

The benches part cost approx. $28,000. Brian Jones designed the benches and then he, Todd Unangst and Jack Durnford did the work.

Jones, as many know, has been battling cancer and as his wife Cleland Hoff told those who gathered that he literally climbed out of his deathbed to finish the project.

One bench is dedicated to the memory of Ellie and Doc Randol and two benches celebrate the 200 or so donors who funded the project.

Bacon said the money raised from donors not only built the benches but was also used as the local match for the state and federal grants.

Mammoth Lakes Friends of the Library first began raising money for the project back in 2007.

Photo: Pellegrini