Illinois Council of the American Institute of Architects
	1977 State Design Honor Award

Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
	1977 Distinguished Building Award 

American Institute of Architects 
	1978 ALA Honor Award

American Institute of Steel Construction, Inc.
	1979 Architectural Award of Excellence

In 1889, the will of George Ames contained a bequest of $5,000 to establish a library fund, provided that a library be built within ten years. It's likely that Walter William Vail was executor of the Ames estate because Vail was a financial expert who co-founded the first bank in Michigan City. But perhaps it was destiny. Vail brought the provision before the public, and became a charter member of the Library Association, formed to establish and maintain a public library in Michigan City. On October 9, 1897, he saw the library open. It cost $36,000, contained more than 3,000 volumes and levied a 2-cent-a-day fine, for overdue books.

The next piece of the story's mosaic was more like a chip. . . off the old block. William Walter Vail was Walter William's son. He followed in his father's steps as president of the bank, and member of the Library Association, which was the library's governing board. Although never a flamboyant figure, Will was a civic leader deeply Involved in the community, such as the time he led a rebuff of an attempted takeover of the city's waterworks by utilities mogul Samuel Insul. Will became the library patriarch. He served the Library Association as member, president or especially treasurer, for a remarkable 55 years.

John Vail, the youngest son of Will and Lenore, had developed a loyalty to the library at an early age. His preference for Batman and Big Little Books matured into a lifelong passion for reading and community service. As the library's 100th anniversary approached, John had a vision. He imagined a sculpture in the library's open-air courtyard -- a woman, holding a book high in the air, symbolizing the power of reading to pull humankind to higher realms by raising knowledge, awareness and spirit. It would be given in memory of his father by the John and Edward Vail families. Vail thought a sculpture perfect for the occasion. Art, he believes, is always on the leading edge of our growth, It has its place in public view, and what better place than the library, which is much more than just books?

In advertising the commission, the name repeatedly recommended, from within the library and in the community, was S. Thomas Scarff. Chicago-based Scarff has established himself as an important artist at the forefront of contemporary sculpture. His large-scale works grace many prominent public collections, such as General Motors, Marshall Field's, the Museum of Science and Industry, United Airlines and Dayton Hudson Properties. Scarff was another perfect fit -- a library lover, who for 25 years, has found inspiration at his beachfront home in Michigan City.

Scarff shares John Vail's perspective, saying, "I think having art in the library is very natural, because that's where we look for beauty and treasure. Some people are intimidated by a museum, but they'll go to a library, and take, their kids. When I was young, I didn't have any museums to learn about art, so the library was the only place I could go. It's a good door to open."

Their view echoes with familiarity at the Michigan City Public library. A "gallery of art" was in the original library plans advanced by Walter William Vail and the Library Association, but it wasn't until the 1930's that pieces were purchased. The man responsible, shopping responsibly for discounts at art galleries in Chicago, was Will Vail. In 1977, when a new building six blocks away replaced the 1897 structure, the library itself became art. It was designed by Helmut Jahn, won architectural awards and acclaim, and was not without its controversy. With a charming twist, the original building is now the city's Community Center for the Arts.

Centura, too, challenges complacency. Scarff translated John Vail's concept into a 15-foot abstract female figure, with a "wave of freedom" flowing from her head, holding a realistic book in her upraised arm, The pages of the book are polished stainless steel, so viewers will always see a reflection of the sky in them. But the figure wears a yoke on her shoulders, attached to the ground with a cable, creating a dynamic tension between the feeling of release and the weight of worldliness. A frieze at the base, depicting scenes of reading and Michigan City, complete the sculpture.

What does it mean when all the pieces still fit together after 100 years? That with vision, initiative and cooperation, a community and its library will continue to flourish together, energized by each other. In his comments presented during the rededication ceremony, Library Director Charles De Young said, "I have learned that regardless of size, location or budget, libraries that link their service to the needs of their community flourish." Reciprocally, the Vails' dedication of Centura "honors not one man or a single institution, but all those who have volunteered their time, energy and talents to the betterment of this richly-blessed community." In between are the rewards of the union, now honored and enriched by a spectacular sculpture. The goal is to ensure that this work of art, and by implication all it represents, will be admired for another 100 years.