Artist Erin Rappleye works on the mural on the Washington Free Public Library, which can be seen in the alley by the drive-up book drop off. Photos by Sally Hart.

What do a pig, ladder and ruby slipper have in common? They’re all featured in the art installation at the Washington Free Public Library. University of Iowa Fine Arts candidate Erin Rappleye began the two-story tall mural last summer and has continued the work. Rappleye has developed the mural to contain more literary references.

Debbie Stanton, director of the library, calls the updated design “delightful” and she explains it highlight’s the institution’s role of developing young readers. Stanton adds, “It will be fun to see if people are able to guess all of the iconic stories alluded to in the mural.”

The mural is anticipated to be complete by the end of summer and an unveiling will be held.