The Massanutten Regional Library is pleased to announce that they will be unveiling the nearly complete mural designed and painted by Tyler Kauffman at 11:30 AM during the Rocktown Author Festival this Saturday, April 12. The Big Read Mural was made possible by the support of the Arts Council of the Valley and the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
Kauffman’s design uses a bright array of colors to depict a diverse group of library patrons alongside elements of the many worlds reading can offer. It was selected by the MRL Big Read Mural Committee from more than 15 proposals from all over the nation.
“Tyler's mural represents a vibrant place where all are welcome to learn, discover, and connect, so it is fitting that we unveil it at the Rocktown Author Festival, where we are all welcome to discover, learn from and connect with the vibrant literary community of the Shenandoah Valley,” Library Director Zach Elder said.
The Rocktown Author Festival highlights local authors and offers support to attendees who wish to become published authors. This year, the festival received the largest number of applications yet, allowing MRL to highlight 36 local authors and add an additional panel for a total of three. Rocktown Author Festival is the last event in our 2025 Big Read programming and MRL is thrilled to unveil the Big Read Mural during this community-focused event. It will be held at Central Library in Downtown Harrisonburg from 10 AM to 3 PM. Media are invited and encouraged to attend this wonderful event and the unveiling of the mural.