Hilda the Dragon’s baby will hatch in October 2024!
Meet the new dragon perched on the roof overlooking State Street in October 2024. This dragon is an art installation created by students and staff at The Point at Otterbein University.
Why build a dragon?
With this whimsical art installation, the Westerville Public Library aims to:
- Introduce people to the magic of their local library.
- Center the library as a place of wonder where ideas are born.
- Support project-based learning for students at Otterbein University.
- Further Westerville’s mission to enrich the daily lives of visitors and residents, increase community assets, and express a positive sense of identity and values with public art.
- Continue a beloved annual tradition by creating a more permanent, weather-resistant art piece.
Thanks to the Generosity of...
In Partnership with...
This dragon is an art installation created by students and staff at The Point at Otterbein University.
The Story of Hilda
Drawn to the magic of the library, this 30-foot, smoke-breathing dragon perched on the Westerville Public Library’s roof, keeping a watchful eye on State Street each October to celebrate the Wizards & Wands Festival from 2019-2022.
A beloved community art installation, the dragon was a Midwestern Bookwyrm affectionately named Hilda based on suggestions from library visitors in 2019. Designed and created by The Point at Otterbein University, Hilda was an art installation made of steel, wood, vinyl, foam, and latex. The Friends of the Westerville Public Library - a volunteer organization that helps to raise money through book sales and a gift shop – eagerly sponsored the dragon to bring attention to the Wizards & Wands Festival.
Originally intended as a temporary feature, the Ohio climate was predictably tough on Hilda. In 2023, Hilda laid an egg at the library which smoked and roared as it was incubating. (Many thanks to those who generously donated to Hilda’s baby shower!)
Now that her baby is old enough to live on their own, Hilda has happily retired.
Press Coverage for Hilda
- Beloved Hilda the Dragon guards over Westerville Public Library for the month of October | Westerville Magazine, opens a new window (August 27, 2022)
- Hilda the Dragon arrives at Westerville Public Library for October display | ABC6 (October 2, 2020) The library is smokin'! | The Columbus Dispatch, opens a new window (October 18, 2019)
- Wizards have run of Westerville library for one night | ThisWeek Westerville, opens a new window (October 22, 2019)
- Westerville Public Library Will Be Transformed Into A Wizarding Wonderland For Wizards & Wands Festival | The Columbus Navigator, opens a new window (October 2019)
- Dragon adorns top of library | The Delaware Gazette, opens a new window (October 19, 2019)
Praise for Hilda
“Since before he could talk, Isaac has been in love with Hilda the Dragon. He was about 6 months old when he first saw her and she’s captured his imagination ever since. He always wants to visit her when she’s displayed and asks where she is and when she’s coming back when she’s tucked away. He has built and drawn so many iterations of her - too many to count! It’s been such a joy as his mom to see this interest blossom into a passion for building robots and drawing and inventing things of all kinds.” - Carlyn (2022)
Read more: Isaac’s imagination soars as a lifelong fan of Hilda the Dragon.
“WPL is getting cooler every day. How much higher can the bar possibly go? Next year, a flying dragon? The year after, free flying dragon rides?” – David S, YouTube comment (2019)
“Westerville library is full of magic, wizards, dragons, and the most powerful magic handlers of all librarians! / You’re killing it with the Halloween decor!” -@postmodernpoppy, Instagram comment (2019)
“So excited to visit, and soak in the magic. Thank you for all you do to bring this event to life. And thank you, Hilda, for stopping during your migration!” - Shari H, Facebook comment (2022)
“Westerville’s Magical Midnight Madness fest uptown was SO well organized! Blown away by the immersive lit library installations, animal shows, science stations, local makers, youth music and dance performances, circus performers and all the fun extra touches. Even a smoke breathing dragon.” - Brooke, Instagram post (2022)
“We had such a wonderful morning at the Westerville Public Library exploring their Wizards & Wands exhibit!! K was in his happy place! Books, Harry Potter, & magical friends!” - Jenna, Facebook post (2022)
“We are so glad that Hilda made it safely to #Westerville! Thanks for all you do to bring such imagination to our City!” - Westerville Electric Division, Twitter reply (2019)
Photo Gallery
About the Wizards & Wands Festival
Since 2018, the Wizards & Wands Festival has embraced that sense of wonder by bringing books to life and creating an unforgettable experience for the Westerville area community.
