Shakespeare Statue Missing from Middlefield's Levi E. Coe Library

MIDDLEFIELD, CT - A bust of William Shakespeare has been missing since late April from the garden behind the Levi E. Coe Library in Middlefield, and officials are continuing their public requests that the statue is returned.

The statue has been a focal point for the garden, which was created by Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts, since 1993, reports the Meriden Record-Journal. The scouts built the garden with plants that are mentioned in works by Shakespeare.

Local police were notified about the theft, which occurred sometime over the weekend of April 23-24, which was also the 400th anniversary of the great playwright's death.

Library officials are said they simply want the bust returned.

"What bothers me the most is... If you asked a librarian, especially one in Middlefield, for the shirt off their back, they'd give it to you," wrote Library Director Jessica Doolittle Lobner on the institution's Facebook page. "We are, literally, Love All, Serve All. Someone knows where this cherished bust is - please, please have a heart and bring it home - no questions asked."

Click here to read the full story on the Meriden Record-Journal website.

Photo of the missing Shakespeare statue via the library's Facebook page.