The memory of one of Niles’ most voracious readers, John Willis, will live on forever at a place he would greatly appreciate — the Niles District Library.

The Niles Noon Optimist Club is sponsoring a wall at the library dedicated to the longtime Optimist who died Sept. 20 at the age of 67.

Willis’ Wall of Wonder will feature two flat screen TVs that will display live internet feeds from webcams around the world.

Library Director Nancy Studebaker said the feature would make it possible for children to see animals from around the world, space exploration as it happens and experience the calm of watching ocean waves.

“All these things can be viewed live via webcams,” she said.

Well known for his love of reading, Willis had been keeping track of the number of books he had read since 1976.

He finished book number 2,222 in January and continued to read an unknown number of books until his passing

Shane Shidler, an Optimist Club member, said the club wanted to honor Willis in a way that would promote learning in children and incorporate his friend’s love of reading.

“I think he would be tickled to know that it (the wall) is in his name… he would be proud that it is an Optimist project,” said Shidler. “I think it is a really neat honor for him.”

Willis’ Wall of Wonder will be housed in the library’s youth services department.

Studebaker said webcam feeds will change depending on what programs the library is offering.

“For example, the theme for story times in the coming months is animals so we will have webcam feeds from zoos or jungles,” she said. “During chess club on Saturday mornings we might switch to a video of the championship chess tournaments.”

Shidler said the wall should be finished in 30 to 45 days, with the civic organization paying for the

entire project.

Willis was a 34-year member of the Niles Noon Optimist Club where he served as a past president, a past Lieutenant District Governor, directed the youth soccer program and organized the race timing team.

Shidler said Willis had perfect attendance throughout his more than three decades as a member.

“He just selflessly gave his time for our organization,” he said.