"A Celebration of Reading" by Branko Medenica

“A Celebration of Reading” is a bronze sculpture which was commissioned in 2010 by the Monroeville | Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Alabama Tourism Department. Its purpose is to offer “some tangible evidence of Monroeville as Alabama’s Literary Capital” and to establish a permanent presence on Monroeville’s courthouse square. The project provides an opportunity to inspire those who experience it with a love of reading. It is a way for Monroeville to further the goal of raising awareness of the benefits of reading and the lingering life lessons of the message brought to a reader by a good book.

The Birmingham, Alabama sculptor, Branko Medenica, was selected to execute the commission. His sculpture depicts three children centered around a bench, reading a book. The piece is designed such that visitors may place themselves within the setting for photographs with the courthouse’s distinctive dome in the background.

From Roy Newquist Interview with author Nelle Harper Lee:
"…We didn’t have much money. Nobody had any money. We didn’t have toys, nothing was done for us, so the result was that we lived in our imagination most of the time. We devised things; we were readers, and we would transfer everything we had seen on the printed page to the backyard in the form of high drama."

Scout Statue Sculptures

Now available at The Prop and Gavel and The Bird's Nest Gift Shop,
Monroe County Heritage Museum:
These small commemorative sculptures were commissioned by the Alabama Tourism Department, modeled on Branko Medenica's timeless bronze sculpture that graces the museum lawn. Looking for a special gift that is unique to Monroeville? We can't think of a more fitting representation!

$24.95 each Reserve yours today!