Vernon Area Public Library garden continues to grow
The public outdoor space at Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road in Lincolnshire, is getting an upgrade in time for summer.
A fanciful chalkboard wall and renovated community garden will join the picnic tables, shade sails and high-speed Wi-Fi installed over the past two years. The upgraded area will be dubbed the Library Learning Garden.
Public libraries have seen a surge of interest in outdoor spaces for gathering and learning in recent years.
"The Library Learning Garden will be a community resource and an easy destination for families looking for outdoor space to play, learn and connect," library director Anne Rasmussen said.
"During the upcoming months, the community is invited to enjoy the beauty of the library campus and learn more about the natural world around us."
The area will be open for self-guided use and play seven days a week during daylight hours, except when in use for an organized library event such as an outdoor concert or storytime.
During summer 2022, the library hosted 31 outdoor programs serving more than 1,000 people. This summer, 26 outdoor programs are planned, with an expected attendance of around 1,750.
Among this summer's offerings is a new series called "Family Fridays," which will feature a variety of self-guided, play-based activities that promote socialization, problem solving, sensory experiences and imagination.
No advance signup is required. As with all library programs, there is no cost to attend. Families with children of all ages are invited to drop in between 10 and 11 a.m. every Fridays, June 16 to July 14.
The community vegetable garden at the library is also getting a full refresh. Upgrades include accessible pathways and raised garden beds.
The community garden was first installed as part of the library's 2003 summer reading program, which had the theme "Dig Into Reading" that year.
Throughout the summer, families, individuals and service groups adopt a week of garden care. They stop by to water, weed and harvest, as necessary. They deliver the vegetables they pick to the nearby Vernon Township food pantry.
In the past 10 seasons, volunteers have harvested more than 2,000 pounds of fresh tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and beans for local families in need.
"The garden provides such a variety of benefits," Vernon Area Program Coordinator Roz Topolski said. "It's a place to learn a hobby or learn how food is produced. It's a place to spend quality time, whether on your own 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."
The cost of the project will be covered by private developer donations. Developer donations are payments from builders that help the library accommodate the increased demand for services associated with new development.
• To submit Your news, go to dailyherald.com/share.