By Mark Bialczak

LPL Communications Specialist

Come play on the Dinosaur Garden lawn.

That phrase takes on a new note with an exciting delivery that’s landed on the rear portion of the green space on the Second Street side of the Liverpool Public Library.

Thanks to the latest money bestowed to the library from the Alfred W. Richberg Fund, four musical instruments and a music book have been installed for forever-playing outdoors.

Families who visit the popular dinosaurs, take part in the satisfying StoryWalk and linger under the welcoming pavilion now can make sweet music on the new Grand Marimba, Cavatina, Tubular Bells and Babel Drum. A Music Book stands next to he Cavatina for good measure.

Children’s Librarian Laurel Sharp became a fan of the large-sized outdoor instruments when she visited some put up in downtown Syracuse. Sharp, a favorite of LPL patrons of many ages for playing guitar, accordion and flute and singing during her Storytime sessions at the LPL, went to work with library Communications Coordinator Diane Towlson in putting together the project as the latest family-friendly piece on the lawn.

“I saw them when I went to Arkansas. I saw them other places in my travels,” Sharp said. “They’re fun.”

Sharp said she expects children and their families to play the instruments individually and collectively. She suggested the music book be added to the four instruments as a special touch for the library connection.

She didn’t schedule a formal program for the instruments this fall, but she said she’s likely to bring a Storytime session out for some informal fun time.

“Programs, yes. At least one concert in the spring,” Sharp said. “Maybe I’ll have a percussionist come. I’ll explore this. Maybe I’ll have a symphony.”

The thought of the addition to the Wildlife Habitat Garden area makes her smile.

“They’re very pretty. Very shiny. And very sturdy,” Sharp said of the instruments from Percussion Play Limited. And now they’re ready for play time.