Bedford Library Beaver - by Mason Central Elementary
Ellis Library & Ref Center - Meadow Montessori.jpg

The Monroe County Library System and the River Raisin Institute have partnered together to display hand-crafted beaver sculptures at seven library branches through the month of June.  

The beavers were created by school children across Monroe County as part of the River Raisin Institute’s Leave it to Beavers program. Local public, parochial, and private schools crafted the beavers from recycled materials to raise awareness about green living and climate literacy. 

Displaying the beavers at nearby library branches gives school kids, families, and the Monroe County community an opportunity to visit these fabulous critters over the summer vacation.  Each piece is unique, so be sure to get out and see them all!  The hosting branch and accompanying beaver displays are listed below:

  • Frenchtown Branch Library: Hosting Triumph and North Elementary School

  • Newport Branch Library: Hosting St. Charles Borromeo School

  • Carleton Branch Library: Hosting St. Patrick School

  • Dorsch Memorial Branch Library: Hosting St. John’s and St. Michael’s Schools

  • Ellis Library & Reference Center: Hosting Meadow Montessori and Monroe Middle School

  • Erie Branch Library: Hosting St. Joseph’s School

  • Bedford Branch Library: Hosting Mason Central Elementary

"Woody," by Monroe Middle School, in the Ellis Reference Department
Beaver by St. Joseph's Catholic School, housed at Erie Branch

In creating the beavers, the students referenced the book, A Beaver Tale: Castors of Conner’s Creek, written by local author Gerry Wykes.  Copies of the title will soon be purchased and added the collection of the Monroe County Library System.