Robin's Library Bear Serves As Community's Tribute to an Appreciated Educator

by Lesley Misko

For decades, Robin Sowers inspired Boyertown students as an English teacher, librarian and yearbook advisor at Boyertown Middle School East. On Monday, July 13, the community she served will gather to dedicate Robin's Library Bear, a colorful Bear Fever sculpture that celebrates not only her lifelong love of reading, but also the collaboration that brought the project to life.

The idea began in the weeks after Robin's passing, when her husband, Steve, and their two children found themselves looking at Boyertown's Bear Fever sculptures in a different light.

As they drove through town, one question kept coming up: How could they honor Robin in a way that reflected the life she lived and the students she inspired? "We were just talking about what we could do to honor Robin," Steve recalled. "We kind of came up with the idea of a bear."

That simple family conversation eventually became Robin's Library Bear, a one-of-a-kind sculpture that will now welcome students into the Middle School East library. Along the way, the project grew into a community effort, bringing together family members, local artists, school leaders, library staff, volunteers, and supporters who all played a role in making the vision a reality.

Friends, former students, colleagues, and community members are invited to attend the bear dedication Monday, July 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Boyertown Middle School East and celebrate both Robin's legacy and the many people who helped create it. Light refreshments will be available.

A Family's Idea Takes Shape

Steve said the family first contacted Bear Fever organizer Jane Stahl, who helped guide them through the process of creating a permanent Bear Fever sculpture.

"Jane suggested one of the smaller bears to keep the cost down," Steve said. "But we thought maybe we'd like to have a bigger bear."

As plans developed, encouragement poured in from every direction. "It was just such an outpouring," Steve said. "People thought it was such a great idea that we pursued it."  

Choosing where the bear would live was easy. Robin spent her career at Boyertown, first teaching English before becoming librarian at Middle School East, where she also served as yearbook advisor until retiring in 2015. For her family, there was no better place than the library—a space where she encouraged generations of students to discover the joy of reading.

Current librarian Kim Mento became one of the project's supporters, guiding it through the school approval process and preparing a permanent home for the sculpture. "Kim did a great job helping us through the process," Steve said. "She went to the school board meetings and presented what had to be presented to get it approved. She was a big help in getting this done."

Steve also shares that school administrators and staff embraced the idea from the beginning. "They were great getting the bear approved and getting everything ready," he said. "They even had it delivered, brought it into the library, and set it up for us. We had a very good experience with the building administrators."

A Quilt of Memories

Rather than designing a traditional tribute, Steve and his family wanted the bear itself to tell Robin's story. Working with Boyertown graduate and artist Audrey Martignetti, they found inspiration in one of Robin's favorite hobbies. "Robin was a quilter," Steve said. "We thought a great way to decorate the bear would be to put her favorite things on a quilted jacket." 

Together, the family created a list of the interests and passions that made Robin who she was. "We made lists of different things Robin liked," Steve said. "Lighthouses, hummingbirds, iced tea, koi fish in the pond, flowers and sewing." The finished design also reflects her involvement in local women's clubs, gardening organizations, and many of the activities that filled her life outside the classroom.

Steve praised Martignetti's creativity throughout the project. "We would send Audrey some ideas, and then she would send us sketches," he said. "She was very easy to work with. She was wonderful." The family also appreciated working with a young Boyertown graduate. "For this being really her first bear, we think she did an amazing job."

Martignetti also invited the family to help paint the sculpture, making the project even more meaningful. "Robin’s daughter, Megan, actually painted a robin on the bear's heart," Steve said. "That was pretty special. I got to paint some things, and Robin’s son, Matt, got to paint the Penn State logo representing Robin’s alma mater."

Already Inspiring Students

Today, Robin's Library Bear stands in the center of the Middle School East library. "It's right in the middle," Steve said. "Right where they go to sit down."

Even before its official dedication, the sculpture has become part of everyday school life. Kim Mento regularly shares photographs showing students and staff enjoying the bear.

As an example, Steve shares that "there was an essay contest, and the winning student wanted to have his picture taken with the bear."  

One photograph carried particular meaning. Steve tells the story of Ron Hoffmanner, another East teacher. “Ron used to drive Robin to school when she couldn't drive after surgery. He retired this year and wanted his retirement picture to be with the bear. Kim sends me pictures like that. That's kind of cool."

The project's impact will continue beyond the sculpture itself. After the costs of purchasing and painting the bear are covered, Steve said remaining fundraising proceeds will be donated to the Middle School East library and the school's yearbook program—two places closely connected to Robin's years of service.

A Legacy That Keeps Growing

For Steve, one thought has remained constant throughout the project. "Robin never wanted any attention," he said. "She was very humble. She did things because they were the right things to do." That is why he believes she would have been less interested in having a bear named after her than in what it might inspire.

What began as one family's idea has become a lasting reminder of what people can accomplish when they work together. Family members, friends, educators, artists, school staff, and volunteers contributed their talents to create something that will welcome students into the library for years to come.

For Steve, that's exactly what Robin would have wanted. "I think she would like it if it gets a kid to read a book," he said. "If it gets a kid to do something in the library or get their picture taken after they win an award with the bear to promote reading, I think she would like that part. That's kind of what we were hoping would happen." 

If You Go

Robin's Library Bear Dedication

Date: Monday, July 13

Time: 1–3 p.m.

Location: Boyertown Middle School East Library

Who Should Attend: Friends, former students, colleagues and community members who knew Robin Sowers or would like to celebrate her life and legacy.

More Information: Follow the project's journey on the Robin's Library Bear Facebook page.

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