Libraries : FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Fictional Beast Will Live at New Library

Story time at the Fountain Valley Library will take on a fantastic dimension in May when a 22-foot-long dragon is unveiled as part of a new 15,000-square-foot building.

The pastel-colored dragon, which can seat up to 20 small children at a time, is taking form at Bob Baker Productions in Los Angeles--the famous marionette company that makes Walt Disney and Looney Tunes collectible puppets.

“I had to make sure it looked tame and friendly so it wouldn’t intimidate small children, but still make it look like a dragon,” said Ronald R. Crosthwaite, director of interior design at Ralph Allen and Partners. The Santa Ana architectural firm is handling the complete design of the new library.

Crosthwaite said the 5 1/2-feet-tall dragon is made mostly of a vinyl material in a variety of muted rainbow colors. The protruding purple belly serves as the seating area and is like a huge beanbag chair.

As part of the library’s grand opening celebration, children will be asked to suggest names for the dreamy-eyed dragon.

Although the dragon will be a main attraction at the new library, the overall architectural design of the $2.4-million facility is expected to draw attention because of its distinct semicircular fan shape. It will also be one of the largest libraries in the 27-branch system.

The building will have two reading lounges, including a fireplace in one area, a Friends of the Library bookstore, a typing room, a conference room and an assembly area with a 150-person occupancy limit.

A gallery wall will be designated for exhibitions by local artists for up to three months at a time. Branch manager Phyllis Brown said a special effort was made to feature as much art as possible throughout the new library.

Among the works is a painting by nationally known children’s book artist Rex Schneider, which was commissioned and paid for by the local Kiwanis Club. It features a boy standing on an open book with a boat sail and sailing on the ocean toward a golden castle.

The Friends of the Library bought a bronze sculpture by regional artist Irwin Binder of an Indian woman and child called “The Secret.” The work will overlook a reflecting pond outside the library.

The branch will be closed from February to April while it moves to its new building located only steps away from its current site, which will be refurbished and rented out by the city as a public hall.