The Greene County Library lost a great friend in former Trustee Ron Mertz, when he lost his battle with cancer last year.

Ron was the driving force behind commissioning the bigger than life sculpture of Br’er Rabbit that now stands in the courtyard. He arranged to have local artist Chris Lantz “bring the rabbit to life” by using his chain saw to carve him from a 6 ft. natural cedar log.

On Aug. 29 the Library chose to honor Ron by dedicating Br’er Rabbit to his memory. His wife, Karen, their daughter Nicole, her husband Jeff and their child Julian West were on hand along with friends, library staff and board members for the celebration.

Steve Schaefer, Director of the Uncle Remus Regional Library System, spoke about Ron’s efforts, impact and passion for the library, feeling that Br’er Rabbit was an ideal symbolic legacy to his memory. A reception, hosted by the Library Trustees, followed the ceremony.