Was it an original? donated by the artist?
...sorry, I didn't read the whole article...only as far as the painting. Had the article not said where it was in the painting, I wouldn't have even noticed it. Wonder if it's a large painting? If it's a small framed painting, a child might not even know what's going on in the painting. On the other hand, if it's a large painting, is an original donated by the artist, I would call the artist and ask for permission to donate or sell it to a local museum. Newark, NJ must have a Museum. If the museum pays for it, then give the money to the Library's Friends Organization. Whatever they do with it, it's an issue that should never have been made public If the library doesn't have policy written about this type of situation, then maybe they need to get one in the policy book that governs donations of Art. IMHO... 