Fierce Memories of a Special Boy at the Maplewood Library

The David Coble Collection of Fierce Creatures opened Saturday with a special presentation and reception at the Maplewood Memorial Library.

The book collection was made possible by a generous donation in memory of David Coble (5/16/99- 6/29/05), who "loved all things fierce," according to his family. Currently, the collection, which will be shared between the main and Hilton branches, has 100 books.

“This collection is for kids of all ages, but especially for kids ages three to eight,” said Jane Folger, Youth Services Coordinator at the library. “Three thousand dollars was raised and the collection will have a total of 200 books.”

Folger and Nina Kitabaya designed a special book plate for the books.

The library was a favorite place for David and continues to be for his family.

“We spent a lot of hours here. David loved the library,” said Alana Coble, David's mom, who added that David particularly enjoyed reading books about sharks, big cats and anything scary. “We wanted to do something — a bench, a tree — but in the end, it was the library.”

In 2005, David passed away at the age of 6 after being treated for fibrosarcoma of the brain, a very rare cancer. He underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. After a very short remission and more chemotherapy, David was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, which stopped the treatment for the fibrosarcoma.

The presentation of the new collection was Skyped to David's grandparents in Nebraska. David's little sister Julia was in attendance as was his dad and other family members.

The well-attended event included refreshments and arts and crafts featuring sharks, snakes and other fierce creatures.

Tribute cards are available at the library for future donations to buy more books.

About David and the collection:

David Leland Coble (5/16/99- 6/29/05) was an artist and paleontologist. He loved his family and he loved Spiderman, Venom, superheroes, reptiles, dinosaurs, dragons, cats big and little and all things fierce. David moved to Maplewood in 2000 and spent 5 happy years here. He attended the YMCA pre-school and kindergarten. David was a defender of the weak who wanted to help others who didn't have as much as he did. He was curious about everything, and he spent many happy hours in the library or reading books borrowed from the library. David would be so happy that these books are available to other kids.

See more photos from the opening of the collection on BaristaKids.