Patrons can choose from over 200 framed pieces in the collection that can be checked out for two months at a time. Currently, the prints are located on the east wall near the fiction section on the main level of the building.

“If you’re tired of looking at the same piece in your home, you can switch it out and look at a piece from us,” said Samantha Ashby, department head of adult services at Peter White Public Library.

Ashby explained that checking out a print is the same process as checking out a book, patrons just need a valid library card. All of the circulating material has a barcode attached to it and can be scanned at the Circulation Desk.

There is a variety of materials in the collection, such as, reproduction prints, posters, drawings, painting and photographs. Some prints are reproductions of famous pieces, others are from local artists.

“Feeder Stream,” a watercolor print by local watercolorist Nita Engle, is pictured. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

“It’s kind of nice to enjoy scenes of Marquette and Marquette artists,” Ashby said.

Carolyn Jordan, former department head of adult services, helped build the collection into what it is today.

“We thought it would be good if we had a collection that highlighted local artists and local venues for purchasing art,” Jordan said.

For many years, Jordan and her co-workers were given a budget to purchase original works from local venues, such as Art on the Rocks. This practice and donations by local artist grew the collection into what it is today. A few notable arist work that can be found in the libraries inventory are Kathleen Conover, John Heath and Marilyn Keefe.

“It gives you a chance to see some artist that maybe you would like to add for your own collection, or enjoy changing the look of your place, or checking out what size painting would go into your house,” Jordan said.

Examples of art that’s available to be checked out at the library are pictured. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

The collection has been capped at its current capacity until proper storage space can be installed at the library.

“The storage is really poor for the art prints right now,” Andrea Ingmire, library director, pointed out. “It’s not good on the prints themselves, their frames — we’ve had broken glass — it’s not easy for patrons to find what they’re looking for. So we are trying to come up with a solution to make it a little bit better storage.”

Currently, the library is reviewing construction bids for a storage space near the DVD rental area. Ingmire hopes that the project will be completed by the end of March.

The contents of the art print collection can be found online at www.uproc.lib.mi.us/pwplinfo