the Bermuda Youth Library is attracting great interest.

The 160-square, king-sized work of art is the brainchild of Youth Library head, Mrs. Florenz Maxwell, who has been overseeing the project.

"This year marks the Youth Library's tenth anniversary, and I wanted to do something tangible to commemorate the occasion.'' Mrs. Maxwell's idea was to get famous children's authors and illustrators to autograph squares of white cotton fabric, which she distributed through their publishers, and return them to the Bermuda Youth Library, where local volunteers would embroider them before assemblage into a cosy quilt.

As with all projects, this one has had its difficulties. Let down by the original person she had in mind to complete the embroidery, Mrs. Maxwell received a timely offer from Dellwood school teacher Mrs. Leanora DeSouza to undertake some of the work.

As the project grew, Mrs. DeSouza received help from volunteers Mrs. Shirley Pearman, Mrs. Evie Richardson, Mrs. Veronica Phillips and Mrs. Elaine Harris to help with the embroidery, but still time was running out.

In the end, a chance remark by Mrs. Maxwell's husband, Dr. Clifford Maxwell, led to the former Berkeley Institute headmaster also being drafted in to do his share.

"My husband happened to mention that, as a boy of nine, an elderly neighbour had taught him to embroider because she couldn't stand to see him wasting time. When I suggested he help with the squares he at first demurred, but when he least suspected it I left open an instruction book and some strategically-placed squares. He knew my dilemma and took up the challenge,'' the librarian explained.

Even Mrs. Maxwell, who had never embroidered in her life, pitched in, and finally all 74 autographed squares were completed.

It was then the turn of Mrs. Wendy Ali Robinson to design their placing and stitch the quilt together. Assisting her was Miss Zelma Thomas.

The reversible quilt will be on display at the Bermuda Youth Library until Saturday. As to why it is generating so much interest, you'll have to drop in or telephone the Library at 295-0487.

STITCHES IN TIME -- Head of the Bermuda Youth Library, Mrs. Florenz Maxwell (right) and library assistant Miss Carla Cann proudly display the hand-made quilt bearing the embroidered signatures of 74 famous children's authors and illustrators.

LIBRARY LIB