Last night the Pollard Memorial Library Board of Trustees and the PML Foundation hosted a reception to celebrate the official unveiling of a number of restored works of art long owned by the library. Perhaps the centerpiece of the restoration effort was the painting “Venezia” by Lowell-native David Neal (1838-1915) who painted it during the 1860s during a four-year stay in Italy. The Pollard Library blog has great before- and after-the-restoration photos of the painting. There are many more great works of art within the library ranging from paintings to the interior architecture of the building itself. The Pollard Memorial Library is located at 401 Merrimack Street, right next to City Hall and its hours and policies are clearly stated on its website.

Make it a point to visit the library sooner rather than later and not just for books. As Rosemary Noon of the Pollard Memorial Library Foundation said last night, “Our beloved public library has also become our beloved public art gallery.” Visit. Walk around. Soak up all the art, culture and history. It will make you feel good about your city.

Frederick Stickney, architect of the library

Audobon American bird prints on display