In an effort to continue its commitment to the area’s cultural life, The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library has fundraising efforts underway to acquire the 2012 winner of Sculpture Tour Eau Claire’s Best In Show award. Jack’s Story Time, a piece by Gregory Johnson, had quite an impact on local art aficionados and the idea was presented to the library to acquire it. However, the sculpture’s visit to Eau Claire was nearly over as the 2012 tour was coming to an end, leaving little time to raise the funds for purchase. As a proponent of the project, Johnson agreed to give the library a full year to obtain the funding needed to buy the $15,000 sculpture. Library Director John Stoneberg says the library plans to house the statue indoors at the entrance to their Youth Services area. He says the sculpture’s classic children’s book themes make it an attractive and fitting addition to the location. Seating is planned at the sculpture’s base to make it more interactive. Jack’s Story Time would be the second sculpture the library has acquired from Sculpture Tour Eau Claire. In July 2012, Circle of Friends by Karen Crain was installed at the corner of Dewey and Eau Claire Streets. So far the library is about a third of the way to its goal. For more information on how to contribute, visit the library’s website at ECPublicLibrary.info or call 715-839-5004.