PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Athenaeum Director Alex Reczkowski has found a fitting way to make the library more fun and welcoming to children. 

 

The library unveiled on Monday a massive mural inspired by local author Ty Allan Jackson's book "When I Close My Eyes." Jackson is a nationally recognized author and founder of Big Head Books. 

 

"This space in particular for our children is in need of refresh, excitement, and enthusiasm and who better to deliver that than our friend Ty Allan Jackson, who is a legendary Pittsfielder, the biggest cheerleader you could ever imagine, travels around the United States promoting his books, talking about literacy and he comes right from our own city," said Mayor Linda Tyer.

 

Reczkowski had approached Jackson about a year ago with the idea. He was looking for a way to spruce up the children's section. The book's illustrator, Jonathan Shears, designed the mural and Massive Graphics created it. Joined by a team of children, Jackson, Reczkowski, and Tyer ripped down the cover and unveiled it. 

 

"I couldn't be more humbled and honored to represent this building, this institution, and this community. With one of my creations, to have it grace the walls is really is nothing less than humbling," Jackson said. 

 

The book was published about six years ago but Jackson feels it is still fitting. The story is about a young girl who uses her imagination to go to faraway places.

 

"It is an example of what I believe reading should be. It should be fun. It should be imaginative. It should allow us to explore even if we do it simply by closing our eyes," Jackson said. 

 

Reczkowski praised the Pittsfield native's work that has led him to be featured on CNN, NBC Nightly News, the "Steve Harvey Show" and PBS, among others. In 2011, his books were gifted to former first lady Michelle Obama. 

 

"Ty is taking his message not just here, not just in his books, but everywhere. He is teaching kids about financial literacy, about success," Reczkowski said. 

 

Reczkowski rhetorically asked "who better than Ty Allan Jackson" to be so prominently featured in the library.

 

"When I close my eyes at night I dream about my library and how great we are and how important we are in the community. What better, for me, what a gift, that we can have a piece of 'When I Close My Eyes' up on our wall," Reczkowski said. 

 

Following the unveiling, Jackson stuck around to sign books.