Newington Library has been closed since January for building work but today the building was reopened to the public with a visit from the Culture Convener Richard Lewis and the mysterious paper sculptures which are now on display there. Also photographed alongside Councillor Lewis are Ali Bowden, Director of City of Literature Trust and 8 year-old Levy Roy.
Investment in this busy library has led to the installation of new heating, lighting and electrical systems, and fresh décor throughout.
The caged birds are part of several sculptures made out of books that have been placed around the capital since 2011 by an anonymous artist, leading to worldwide speculation about their source. The only clue about the inspiration was the same message left on many of them stating that they were created “in support of libraries, books, words and ideas”.
This particular set has been loaned to the library by the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust. They were gifted to the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August 2013, when members of staff were surprised to find 30 paper birdcages after being tipped off by a series of tweets. They were accompanied by instructions to “set them free” at various locations.
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