06/01/2026
Guess who's back at the library? ๐
If you've visited the Miami Public Library over the last couple of decades, you've probably seen him. Most people just call him "the little boy statue," but his real name is Reed!
Reed has been part of the library family since 1998 when he was created by artist Mischell Riley, and honestly, he's lived a more exciting life than most of us.
Originally perched on a wall outside the library, Reed quickly developed a habit of disappearing. Over the years, he has been stolen several times, only to be rescued and returned by kind-hearted community members. On more than one occasion, he came dangerously close to ending up in a scrap yard before someone recognized him and brought him home.
A few years ago, the wall Reed sat on began to crumble and needed major repairs. Not wanting our adventurous little friend to get damaged (or wander off again), we carefully moved him into storage while we searched for a safer place to display him.
Unfortunately, Reed apparently interpreted "storage" as "the beginning of a new adventure."
Nearly a year ago, the storage lot where he was being kept was broken into, and Reed vanished yet again. Thankfully, he was recovered from the back of a trailer belonging to the thieves and safely returned once more.
At this point, we're starting to think Reed just enjoys keeping things interesting.
The good news is that he's finally back where he belongs! You can now find him safe and sound in the Genealogy Department of the Miami Public Library, where we're hoping he'll stay put for a while.
Stop by, say hello, and welcome home one of Miami's most well-traveled residents! โค๏ธ
