Brandon Twp.- A granite memorial bench at the library has sustained damage, possibly from a skateboard.
Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects who may have caused the damage, estimated to be $1,250.
Library Director Rebecca Higgerson found chipped areas to the bench around July 9, less than two months after the bench was installed to memorialize Colleen Stringer, a beloved adult services librarian who died suddenly just over a year ago.
‘The staff and trustees of the Brandon Township Library are devastated that there has been damage done to the bench provided by the family in a beautifully generous gift to the citizens of Ortonville in honor of Colleen Stringer,? said Higgerson. ‘Our hearts just sank when we saw it.?
The granite work of art was installed May 7 at the library, 304 South St., and features carved tomes at the base, as well as more on the actual seat. Stringer, adult services librarian for more than 13 years, died suddenly July 31, 2014 at the age of 67.
Higgerson has made an insurance claim and contacted Lowell Granite of Grand Rapids, creator of the bench, to make repairs.
Anyone with knowledge of how the damage to the bench occurred is asked to contact the Brandon substation at 248-627-4911.
Library officials plan to include in their budget the purchase of video surveillance cameras.