By Noah Alatza
Westfield eighth-grader Elliott Hodgins’ love for the library changed how visitors see things, literally.
“When I was little I just loved going to the library,” Hodgins said. “I would always see these empty cases, so I asked if I could put a collection of my things inside.”
Westfield Washington Public Library approved Hodgins request and allowed him to decorate two cases over the past six years. The library has a Scooby Doo “tradition” every October and November, thanks to Hodgins’ collection.
WWPL Public Relations and Marketing Director Allison Knuttel said Hodgins’ display is always well received.
“The library always appreciates it when our patrons have an interesting collection to showcase in our lobby display case,” Knuttel said. “Scooby Doo is extremely popular with library patrons of all ages, and the Hodgins’ extensive Scooby Doo collection is generating a lot of enthusiasm.”
Hodgins said it only takes 10 minutes to set up both cases.
“(I) go there with my mom and sister and we take bags to start unloading it,” Hodgins said. “At first people didn’t know who was creating (the displays), but there’s one picture of me behind a mystery machine. I’m around the library, but people don’t come up to me.”
Christine Hodgins, Elliott’s mother, said visiting the library during a summer reading program sparked what inevitably led to the display.
“He loved Scooby Doo as a very young child,” she said. “(Elliott) just had the best time with it. Children always have a great time seeing it, and even adults walking by cannot help but smile.”
If someone has a collection they would like to display at the library, WWPL encourages them to contact the Adult Reference Dept. to book a display case or visit wwpl.lib.in.us.
