BENTON - Lady Liberty could use a makeover.

And that's precisely the goal of a restoration campaign undertaken by the Benton Public Library, home to the Statue of Liberty replica for decades.

The campaign aims to repair what time, weather and vandalism have wrought on the statue that has been a part of the library landscape since 1950.

The campaign's goal of $20,000 will replace the statue's base, repair damage caused by vandals and restore the replica to its previous glory as one of about 200 Lady Liberties placed in communities across the country between 1949 and 1951.

The statues were part of the Boy Scouts of America's 40th anniversary crusade to "Strengthen the Arm of Liberty."

"It's stood there all that time, almost 60 years, and it needs a little TLC," library director Erin Steinsultz said.

The statue was moved from the front lawn of the library Sept. 11 and taken inside, where it will remain until funds are raised, she said.

Plans include a brick freedom plaza for the statue, although additional funds would need to be raised for its construction, she said.

"The statue was dedicated by the Boy Scouts of America with a Memorial Day weekend ceremony in 1950. There were more than 1,500 people in attendance," she said. "We'd like to have the statue in place for the Scouts 100th anniversary (in 2010)."

Library board president Doris Heaton said the statue's disappearance from its usual spot has been noticed by the public.

"The statue is a landmark here, so many generations have seen it at the entrance to the library," Heaton said.

Heaton encouraged anyone who was in attendance at the original ceremony to get in touch with library staff to share memories.

"We'd love to know their thoughts and have them come back to the rededication," she said.

Fundraisers for the campaign will start next year, although donations are already being accepted at the library.

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To donate

Donations may be sent to Save Our Lady Campaign, Benton Public Library, 502 S. Main St., Benton, IL 62812.