Bailey Library Children’s Mural

Procession of Storybook Characters
These beloved storybook characters represent the imaginative world of early literacy that the Bailey Library has shared with generations of children since opening a dedicated children’s room in 1974. They also honor the generations of librarians, staff, volunteers, trustees, and Friends of the Library whose dedication helped shape the library into the community-centered institution it is. Their appearance reflects the library’s longstanding tradition of bringing children’s stories to life by dressing as literary characters in Winthrop’s annual holiday parade.

The Ugly Duckling
While reading Talking Walls, the Ugly Duckling honors Winthrop author Margy Burns Knight, whose books encourage curiosity, understanding, and appreciation of cultures around the world. A nationally recognized author and longtime supporter of the Bailey Library, Margy served on the team that helped plan the library’s 2015 expansion. She also helped oversee the creation of Winthrop’s community murals in the early 2000s.

Little Red Riding Hood
One of the best-known characters in traditional folklore, Little Red Riding Hood represents the timeless stories that have introduced generations of children to the joy of reading.

Mary Jane Auns as Mother Goose
Mary Jane Auns is portrayed as Mother Goose, a role she embraced in Winthrop’s annual holiday parade. A lifelong educator, library trustee, and advocate for literacy, she helped lead fundraising for the Bailey Public Library’s 2015 expansion and later supported the 2021 parking lot project.

Elizabeth Sienko
Elizabeth Sienko is shown with her ukulele, representing the Bailey Ukulele Group and the library’s tradition of bringing music, learning, and community together. During more than two decades as a library trustee, she helped shape the library’s growth through projects including the 2015 expansion and the 2021 parking lot project.

Hansel, Gretel, and Peter Pan
These beloved storybook characters represent the classic tales of adventure, courage, and imagination that have inspired generations of young readers.

Puss in Boots
The clever cat from the classic fairy tale reminds readers that imagination, courage, and quick thinking often overcome great challenges.

Moishe
Moishe, from Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are, celebrates the boundless imagination found in one of the most influential children’s books ever written. The character also honors the library’s longtime tradition of bringing children’s literature to life, having been portrayed by Library Director Richard Fortin for more than a decade in Winthrop’s annual holiday parade.

Moose from Happy Birthday, Maine
This friendly moose represents Happy Birthday, Maine by Winthrop author Lynn Plourde, celebrating her stories inspired by the people and places of Maine.

Lynn Plourde Books
A stack of books honors Winthrop author Lynn Plourde, whose award-winning children’s books have inspired young readers through humor, imagination, and a love of Maine.

Maranacook Lake Railroad Trestle
The historic railroad trestle recalls the arrival of the Maine Central Railroad during the 1880s, when rail travel connected Winthrop to visitors from across Maine and helped establish the town as a popular lakeside destination.

Winthrop Rambler Bus
The Rambler Bus recalls the old school bus that carried Winthrop athletes to competitions throughout central Maine. Its many journeys inspired the “Ramblers” name that has represented Winthrop schools for generations.

Apple Trees
The apple trees reflect Winthrop’s orchard heritage and the Winthrop Greening, a historic apple variety first identified in town during the eighteenth century.

Lake Landscape
The lake reflects the waterways that have shaped Winthrop’s history, from the earliest settlement and water powered industries to tourism, recreation, and the summer camps that have long shaped Winthrop’s history and identity.

About the Artist
Jen Greta Cart is a painter and muralist from Hallowell. Her public murals include the large scale Many Stitches Hold Up the Sky in Brunswick and Barn Owl in a Door to Twilight in Hallowell. Her paintings explore magical realism, feminine archetypes, and the relationship between the spiritual and physical worlds. She also creates portraits that reimagine their subjects through magical alter egos, including mermaids, elf maidens, and medieval librarians.