The Library Corner: New statue honors memory of Vee, RD Carroll

by Sally Jack
Contributing writer
A beautiful new statue has a permanent home in front of the library in Monticello.
The sculpture was gifted to the library by the T.R Paul Family Foundation on behalf of Flight Services LLC in memory of R.D. and Vee Carroll of Monticello.
Flight Services LLC built the new U.S. Forest Service Building on the corner of 400 North Main in Monticello on land they purchased from R.D. Carroll.
During the construction R.D. often went to visit “his” property and see how the project was coming along, and the Carrolls became close friends with the family.
Vee passed away in 2020, followed by R.D. in 2021. The Forest Service building was completed in 2021 and the sculpture was donated to the library in 2023 as a memorial of R.D. and Vee.
The work of art depicts children with books. A brass plaque near the statue has a quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero that reads: “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”
Cicero’s quote is a fitting tribute to Vee, who served as the head librarian at the Monticello Library for a number of years.
Vee was also known for the flowers she grew and shared with everyone, especially her prize-winning dinner-plate-sized dahlias. R.D. was known for making friends wherever he went.
Stop by and take a look at the memorial sculpture and while you are there, come into the library and check out the puzzle exchange, a new feature at Monticello and Blanding libraries.
Bring a puzzle and take home a puzzle in exchange. All puzzle difficulties are welcome. Of course whole puzzles are preferred, but if you bring a puzzle with a missing piece, please indicate that on the box.
Additionally, an ongoing puzzle at the Monticello Library offers patrons a chance to sit down for a spell in a peaceful environment and find a few pieces before going back out into the busy world.
Don’t forget Story Time on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. at the Blanding and Monticello libraries where stories and activities for preschool and homeschool children are sure to delight.
Craft Club is every Thursday at 4 p.m. at the library in Monticello. Free craft activities are available each week for anyone age 8 or older.
Younger children are welcome too, if accompanied by an adult.
All county libraries continue to add new books to their collections to provide a variety of good reads for everyone. Come and check one out!