The Children's Library Critters project, which cost US$18,000, was funded by the Larry Paul Foundation and created by artists Melanie Germond and Pete Goldlust.
After the demise of Larry Fleschner from cancer in 2007, the vast majority of resources were left to found a family foundation to endow charitable programmes. Paul Fleschner (nephew of Larry) and his wife Alison Fleschner have noticed over time that the McEuen Park side of the library had no indication of the library's existence and thus failed to attract the little ones to the literary hub. Thus, they felt strongly about funding the installation of attractive aluminium-made artifices outside the library.
The piece is made of lightweight yet strong metal — aluminium and is powder-coated. It is ascended to the wall to allow drainage. Some of the other art animals visible in the art pieces are a bluebird, a deer, a squirrel, an otter, an eagle, and a fish.
On September 9, the Coeur d'Alene city General Services Commission recommended the City Council approve the project, which it did on October 1.
Paul Fleschner said, "The colourful Northwest-specific animal creations can be seen from a distance and should relate with the many children at McEuen Park in the summer," which City Council member Amy Evans acknowledges it will. She said, "I think this is a perfect piece and is going to draw a lot of attention from the kids at McEuen."
