Ten days ago, Timberland Regional Libraries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the district’s formation. This weekend, the Aberdeen branch is inviting the public to a 50th birthday party for its iconic greeter.

The Owl, a 300-pound bronze sculpture created by San Francisco artist Beniamino Bufano, has become an integral part of the library since its 1968 installation in the lobby.

“For most of the kids, it’s a ritual to greet the Owl; some have to say goodbye,” said Laura Young, senior librarian for Adult Services.

Children pat it, talk to it, even climb on it. And that’s OK.

“I always say, ‘Please pet him, please touch him, because he begs to be touched,’” said Pat Warren, longtime member of the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library.

“It’s the way Beniamino Bufano created his art,” she said. “When he felt he was done with a creation, he closed his eyes and ran his hands over it; and if it felt smooth and right, he’d lay down his tools. He was done.”

The Italian-born artist, who was known for the simplicity of his works, died just two years after the Owl’s installation.

Liz Preble was president of the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library at the time. She and her husband, Bob, were instrumental in organizing a group of donors to purchase art for the library.

Bob filed away news clippings, letters and other records regarding that process — many of which are now on temporary display at the library as part of the celebration.

“He and I conspired years ago to do something about celebrating the Owl … and, God bless him, he didn’t make it,” said Warren. (Preble died in November at age 96.) “I’m so sorry that he never lived to see this, because he and his wife were such a part of it.”

Still, no one knows how much those donors paid for the sculpture — or if they do, they aren’t telling.

“It was a deep, dark secret how much the Owl cost, and how much each of them contributed,” said Warren. “However, we do know they all contributed an equal sum.”

Whatever the amount was, no one can deny it was worth it.

“Every day I see kids hug or play on the Owl and just wish I had my camera handy,” said Young. “I’m just too slow to catch that little look of glee or awe as they walk around to see its face.”

No nickname was ever given to the sculpture; it’s always simply been called the Owl. “That’s why we capitalize it,” Warren chuckled.

She has what she calls “a very intimate relationship” with the sculpture. She can’t recall how long ago Christine Peck — the head librarian at the time — suggested that because people were always touching the Owl, it needed to be cleaned regularly.

“It was a simple process to just use Ivory bar soap, a soft rag and Johnson’s paste wax to buff him up,” said Warren. “I took on that task because I love the Owl, and it was something simple that I could do. So I have been bathing and waxing him every spring for … I couldn’t begin to tell you how long.”

She will tell the detailed story of how the Owl came to Aberdeen during the celebration on Saturday.

The all-ages party is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at the library, 121 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. Cake will be served, and attendees can have photos taken with the Owl.

And in case you miss the festivities, the collection of memorabilia about Bufano and the Owl will remain on display at the library through Aug. 31.

Kat Bryant | The Daily World “I always say, ‘Please pet him, please touch him, because he begs to be touched,’” says Pat Warren, longtime member of the Friends of the Aberdeen Timberland Library.