A Tacoma library mural, which reflects the diversity in the community, was vandalized with hate speech.
A neighborhood library, located in the heart of South Tacoma, near South 56th Street and South Puget Sound Avenue, is known for its new vibrant mural.
Dionne Bonner, a local artist, created the mural with the community’s input last April. The mural is designed to reflect the diverse families and children who live in the area while raising awareness about the library, which was previously overlooked by many due to its location and appearance.
“We worked with Dionne to make sure people know that this is where the library is at. It’s bright and colorful and welcoming,” said Mariesa Bus, public information officer for Tacoma Public Library.
Bus shared photos with KIRO 7 News of the vandalism that took place Wednesday overnight.
No one was working inside the building at the time.
The graffiti spanned across the mural along the side of the library.
An electrical box painted with similar designs, located nearby, was also tagged with similar hate speech, Bus said.