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The sculptures in front of the Stanly County Public Library in downtown Albemarle will receive a fresh coat of paint after a unanimous decision Monday by the Stanly County Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner Peter Asciutto presented the item to the board, delving into the history of the George Bireline sculptures constructed when the library opened in 1972.

Asciutto said he asked County Manager Andy Lucas to get a quote on how much it would cost to restore the sculptures to their original two-tone appearance.

Monday’s agenda packet contained a copy of the $2,700 estimate from Carver Painting of Richfield. Asciutto said his motion would request an additional $1,000 for a permanent art label for the sculptures.

Previously, the sculptures were painted by volunteers as part of efforts by the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation (ADDC) in 2020.

Commissioner Brandon King said he had no problem with painting the sculptures, but he asked about future expansion of the library, including removing the sculptures in order to build an outdoor elevator for library patrons. He said Albemarle’s Historic Resources Commission board did not approve plans for the elevator. King also raised safety issues about the sculptures.

Lucas said the HRC denied the county the right to remove the sculptures, and added some board members “were inclined” to have the Stanly County Arts Council share in the cost of the upkeep of the display.

Vice chairman Mike Barbee said $1,000 was a lot for the sign. Lucas advised “it’s more of an all-weather” type of sign, closer to what the city has at City Hall with the Constitution and Bill of Rights display.

“Any time we can restore and make something better, that’s wonderful,” Library Director Sara Hahn said. “We, as a library, enjoy information and access to information.”

She said the information about the art and Bireline “should have been there a long, long time ago.” Hahn said she was not aware of any public inquiries to her or the library staff about the sculptures, and said she would like to see a historic marker with a QR code for the art.

Hahn said she spent months preparing her own budget, and at the top of the list, she added, was “creating a handicapped accessible entrance to the downstairs.” She said a purchase order with Seven Oaks Doors and Hardware has been issued for the door, located in the same area as the sculptures.

She said the new accessible doors “will allow patrons to enter our downstairs to get to the freight elevator in the staff area. We can offer someone who needs access the freight elevator at best, but the doors are heavy and broken, so they are being replaced.”