Did you know that the California Room has three marble sculptures created by the 19th century artist, Edmonia Lewis? Edmonia Lewis was African-American and Chippewa Indian, and was a free spirit who lived for a time in San José. These sculptures were created in Rome and brought to the Bay Area, where they were purchased on behalf of the new San José Library Association (a fee-based library that predates the public library by a few years) in 1873. These beautiful marble sculptures have been owned by the library for more than 125 years! Here is more information about Edmonia Lewis and her sculptures. Two of the pieces are a pair, representing children "Awake" and "Asleep." The third is one of Abraham Lincoln. They are available to view in the California Room Tuesday-Saturday, 1-6.