Rumors flew this week as locals noticed the absence of a bronze statue of a girl on a bench in front of the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library.
Since the library’s upgrade in 2008, its facade and courtyard have been eye-catching additions to downtown Chehalis, so it’s no surprise people took notice when the statue’s bench was vacant.
One member of the Facebook group “You might be from Chehalis if …” posted a photo of the empty seat with the caption, “Anyone know what happened to the bronze statue of the girl on the bench?”
That prompted comments from other page members such as, “Oh wow That is sad. Freakin thieves” and “Oh no” after suspicion that the statue had been stolen.
Those group members and other library onlookers can breathe a sigh of relief. The statue has been taken away for repairs or possible replacement, according to Library Manager Lily Grant and City Manager Administrative Assistant Susan Stayner.
“It’s not missing. They know where it is and it’s being fixed,” Stayner told The Chronicle.
The statue was a donation to the City of Chehalis and it sits on city property. Its return is estimated to be at least several weeks out.
