Improvements for summer: outdoor space5/22/2023 Fresh air, a cool breeze in the shade, an educational play area for the kids, the sound of birds and free high-speed Wi-Fi — that sounds pretty good, doesn’t
it? Let’s add “no entry fee” and “no obligation to purchase anything.” Where is this wonderful place? The newly improved outdoor public space at your local public library! Like many libraries across the world, we have seen a surge of interest in outdoor public space for gathering and learning in recent years. That’s why, this summer, we are upgrading the space patrons have come to know as the Annex Lawn. A fanciful chalkboard wall and renovated community garden will join the picnic tables, shade sails and high-speed Wi-Fi that were installed over the past two years. The upgraded area will be called the “Library Learning Garden.” “The Library Learning Garden is a great community resource and an easy destination for anyone looking for outdoor space,” said library director Anne Rasmussen. The area will open this summer for self-guided use and play during daylight hours, seven days a week. Occasionally, the space will be reserved for a specific library program, such as an outdoor concert or storytime — or the new Family Fridays series. The community vegetable garden at the library is also getting a full refresh. Upgrades include accessible pathways and raised garden beds. It was first installed as part of the library’s 2013 summer reading program, which had the theme “Dig Into Reading” that year. Since then, volunteers have grown, weeded, watered and harvested more than 2000 pounds of fresh tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and beans for the customers of the local food pantry. “The garden provides such a variety of benefits,” said program coordinator Roz Topolski. “It’s a place to learn a hobby or learn how food is produced. It’s a place to spend quality time, individually or as a group. It’s an opportunity for people to give back to their community. Most importantly, it reduces food insecurity in our community by providing access to fresh vegetables at our local food pantry.”
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