Whimsy Meets Wonder: Studio Ghibli Mural Transforms Library’s Teen Space
By: Michelle Pursel and Sinead Tanner, Youth Services Librarians, Orange County Public Libraries
Walk into the teen section of the Main library, and you’ll be greeted by a scene straight out of a dream—or, more accurately, a Studio Ghibli film. Floating across a wall in a swirl of color, charm, and storytelling magic are Totoro, No-Face, Ponyo, Calcifer, and more—beloved characters from the iconic Japanese animation studio that has inspired generations of fans around the world. When thinking of a redesign of the teen area at the Main Library, the goal was to find a theme that would be inspirational as well as beautiful to look at. Studio Ghibli came to mind because their stories often center on young protagonists who find strength in themselves through empathy, curiosity, and resilience—all qualities we hope to nurture in our teen patrons. “I wanted the mural to feel like a gateway into imagination,” said Michelle Pursel, youth services librarian. “One local artist immediately came to my mind when we were in the initial planning stages.”
The mural, which spans a large portion of the young adult area, is the work of local artist and middle school teacher Betsy McGinnis, whose creativity and connection to the community made her the perfect choice for the project. Known for her ability to blend warmth, wonder, and a deep respect for her subjects, McGinnis brought a distinctly heartfelt approach to this labor of love. In 6 sessions and over 24 hours, Betsy, aided by sibling apprentices Isabel and Jamie Painter, painted the 8’ X 20’ mural on a wall in the library’s teen area. The artwork includes a thoughtful mix of characters from films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Howl’s Moving Castle, all set against a dreamy, nature-rich backdrop. The design encourages visitors to look closely—each corner reveals new details and gentle nods to the narratives that fans hold dear.
For library staff, the mural has already transformed how teens engage with the space.
“The mural is beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Sinead Tanner, teen services librarian. “We’ve seen kids exclaim in wonder as they notice it and even strike up conversations with others who recognize the characters. It’s doing exactly what we hoped—giving teens more ownership of the space and making it feel more like theirs.” And perhaps that’s the true magic of this mural—it reminds us that stories, whether in books or on walls, have the power to connect us, inspire us, and remind us that imagination has no age limit. The mural is now available to view in the Main Library teen section. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and take a look— and maybe even check out the Studio Ghibli films and related works in the library’s collection.
17
OCI August 2025
Powered by FlippingBook