The Ladies’ Library Association is pleased to announce a commemorative addition to our historic building! In honor of women’s suffrage, a new stained-glass window was installed Friday, May 30, 2020, facing east on the second floor of the LLA building’s 2013 addition.

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In December 2018, the LLA issued a call for artists to submit their ideas for a design that would celebrate the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution, as well as pay homage to the women who founded the LLA and were a part of this important movement.

Ten artists submitted designs. In 2019, the LLA membership selected Sniedze Janson Rungis’ design Through Hardship to the Stars.
Ms. Rungis describes her work: 
“Our suffragist, robed in purple, is embodied by Aurora, the Roman Goddess of the Dawn. She strides forward, bearing a bouquet of yellow roses – the symbol of the suffragists – from the east side of the building, signifying the dawning of a new era.”

James Rife, stained-glass window artist, was commissioned to turn the design into a beautiful work of art. Mr. Rife completed the project this May and was part of the installation team.

The window was made possible by donations, often in honor or memory of current and past LLA members. The LLA would like to thank member Vanita Aloisio for her inaugural contribution and the inspiration to commission this symbolic work. The Ladies’ Library Association is planning a reception and open house at a later date this year.