Emmaus Public Library's round outer wall may be covered by an abstract mosaic depicting the history of the borough by next summer.

Borough council voted to allow the artwork pending engineers' approval regarding the integrity of the structure.

East Penn students will collaborate with Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar to complete the project.

Zagar, an eclectic artist and renowned member of The Dumpster Divers of Philadelphia, makes mosaic creations known to inspire emotion and tell a story.

The story of the Emmaus mosaic will be the history of the borough with inspiration drawn from the Lenni Lenape, the Moravians, rail transportation, historic sites and others.

"We really tried to come up with images that would be representative of Emmaus," Emmaus High School art teacher Lisa Caruso said at the Nov. 18 meeting.

The mosaic vignettes will be created in Zagar's South Philadelphia studio. These images of iconic Emmaus landmarks and history will cover the wall with abstract mosaic art filling in the negative space.

Thirteen East Penn art teachers will participate in the project. Their students will add their own artistry by creating many of the tiles to be used in the mosaic.

"Every once in a while we have an opportunity to do something spectacular that can last for generations," Councilman Mike Waddell said. "This sounds like a wonderful project."

Waddell said the Emmaus Arts Commission has discussed the possibility of a sculpture garden in the area at a later date.

Council also approved bids for gas and oil at the meeting. All of the 2014 totals per gallon for diesel, unleaded gas, number two heating oil and kerosene were reduced from this year. Lehigh Fuels LLC will supply the gasoline and diesel and Harned Durham Oil Company Inc. will supply the heating oil and kerosene.