In 1960, the city of Evanston tore down the old library to create a more spacious building, revealing a surprise under the steps: a marble statue of a young girl and her faithful canine companion. Beside her, the dog stomps on a snake, dangerously close to her ankle. This statue is a replica of 19th century Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni’s original work titled “Innocence Protected by Fidelity,” or “Innocence Guarded by Faithfulness” according to different translations. The original is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “That’s my favorite item in the room,” Bird said while explaining the statue’s story. “I always love pointing her out to folks.”