An iconic statue with a friendly face that’s warmed the hearts of many library visitors in St. Albert has found a new home, where families can continue to enjoy it.
The St. Albert Library Apple Tree was installed at the library in 1987 after being donated from a local McDonald’s restaurant and served as a comfy spot for young readers to curl up with a book and begin their literary adventures.
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After a much-needed paint job – turning the sprouting apple pies into leaves – the Apple Tree Reading Corner provided plenty of memories for kids learning to read with their parents, including Ashley King, the Children’s Service Coordinator with the St. Albert Public Library.
“(For) over 30 years, close to 40 years, it was a place for kids to get cozy (and) spur some imagination. It really became a landmark for a lot of people,” King said. “He was really their friend … they’d sing him songs or read him a story because he’s got a friendly face … (it) warms my librarian heart.”
A few years ago, the library received a community revitalization grant to renovate the space. After the renovations were done, there was no space left for the beloved tree.
It was removed from the library on Feb. 10, 2023, but not without a bang. A farewell party was organized where children and parents had their chance to say goodbye with hand-written notes, thanking the Apple Tree for all the good memories.
“There was quite a bit of sadness around the tree leaving because it was something that we all felt belonged here,” said Dolci Arlinghaus of the St. Albert Library.
“I’ve been sitting under that tree since I was six years old. I grew up with that tree,” she said.
Luckily, families missing the apple tree statue won’t have to travel far to see their old friend, as it currently stands in St. Albert Place just down the hall from the reading corner – complete with the hand-written notes from children and parents who made memories under the tree.
“There’s little scribble-scrabbles from kids who are just learning how to make shapes and hold a pencil to adults (writing) ‘My first memories are from you from McDonald’s in the 80s’ … it really shows the breadth of love in our community for the apple tree,” King said.
“If you have a friend who’s moving away, life changes, and it can be so hard, but this was just a really great opportunity for them to share their feelings in a really positive way,” she added.
The Apple Tree is temporarily on display at the Musée Héritage Museum as part of the Signs of the Times exhibit, along with the Grandin Theatre marquee, the Bruin Inn bear, signage for the infamous Blind Pig bar and the Lions Park sign.
“St. Albert Public Library Apple Tree Corner reading tree has made its way into the museum’s collection,” said Martin Bierens, the curator of the Musée Héritage Museum. “People have really fond memories of this tree. I know one of our staff members here remembers trying to climb the tree in the library.”
He said people are drawn to the statue and adding to the museum’s collection will help keep a sense of nostalgia for St. Albertans.
“It’s something they really associate with the formative time in their life, especially learning to read, that time with family, going with your parents to the library ... It’s really a time in your life where you’re building these memories and people have really fond memories of this tree,” he added.
The Apple Tree will be on display at the The Signs of the Times exhibit until July 5.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Connor Hogg
