In full view of all who would enter the library in Murphysboro's General John A. Logan Attendance Center stands something extraordinary – a 14-foot tall ‘reading tree.’ Its enormous presence features twisted branches, textured bark, and cozy bench seating that can accommodate up to a dozen young readers. What began as librarian Stephanie Ward's simple vision for "a little reading nook" transformed into an awe-inspiring labor of love involving staff from across the entire district.

The project started when Ward, who joined the K-2 school as librarian in December 2024, mentioned wanting to create a special reading space. Construction teacher Josh Williams initially envisioned a modest "front porch of a cabin" design, but Superintendent Annie Evers had bigger dreams.

"I called it the lemonade stand initially," Evers recalls. "But I knew that the skylight lent itself to grandeur and not the front porch cabin lemonade stand."

The transformation from simple structure to magical tree happened thanks to district secretary Kim Cheatham, who became the project's driving force. Drawing on her experience building an in-ground pool at home, Cheatham knew exactly how to create the tree's distinctive shape using sonotubes.

What followed was an intensive summer construction project that Williams calls "grueling, amazing, and remarkable." Working alongside auto shop teacher Tristan Camden, they built the basic structure using 30 sonotubes, wooden cutouts for the root system, and an intricate framework that would support the tree's hollow interior.

The real artistry came in the finishing work. The team, under Cheatham’s direction, applied 255 cans of spray foam over chicken wire to create the gnarly bark texture, then hand-applied 1,600 pounds of cement to achieve the authentic tree appearance. Every detail was crafted by hand, from the tongue depressor etchings in the cement to create bark patterns, to the thousands of oak leaves attached with hot glue and gorilla glue.

The project exemplified true district collaboration. Terry Hines, another district secretary, worked daily on construction details. Middle school paraprofessional and muralist Jamarr McZeke painted whimsical animals throughout the interior. Even maintenance staff from across the district contributed, with local contractors donating equipment use and materials.

The tree's PVC pipe branches were hand-melted and twisted to create realistic formations, suspended by paracord rated for 550 pounds and anchored directly to steel ceiling beams. Camden ensured universal accessibility by creating a metal ramp, making the tree welcoming for all students, including those with mobility needs.

"We learned that it's going to happen either way," Williams says of working with Evers' ambitious visions. "She showed us the picture, and I was like, there's no way, but okay, we're gonna figure it out."

The team sourced materials from three states, driving to Missouri, Kentucky, and across Illinois when supplies ran low. Local businesses like Fager McGee Construction and RP Lumber provided equipment and discounted materials, keeping the project budget-friendly.

For Ward, who manages 400 students across 24 classes, the tree represents her commitment to creating positive reading experiences. Students visit the library weekly for 30-minute sessions, and the tree will serve as another comfortable space where children can explore books and develop their love of reading.

"My main goal is to make sure kids have a really positive experience with reading and with libraries," Ward explains. "For some of our students, this is the only library that they will know in their young life."

The tree's interior benches feature hinged storage for pillows and supplies, while new color-coded signage helps young readers navigate by both subject and reading level. Ward plans to let students check out two books – one at their reading level for practice, and one that simply excites them.

Williams dubbed the collaborative team "Murphy Imagineers," a fitting tribute to the creative problem-solving that brought this magical reading space to life. As Evers reflects, "This is the OMG project of my lifetime. Twenty-eight years into the profession, and this is the project I'm most proud of."