Where some might have seen a vacant space, Corinth librarians Meagan and Diana saw potential. Several years ago, they got started converting alcoves near the Library parking lot into what is now an herb garden. The garden serves as the basis for educational programs, and provides natural beauty and inspiration for readers.
Their process is part of a growing trend. Libraries are increasingly incorporating green spaces, both in new building projects, like Monticello’s roof terrace, through partnerships, like at Oak Park’s community garden, or in the case of Corinth, with some creative reuse. A Library Journal article noted that “the best libraries don’t stop at the front door.”
After noticing some old rusty flowerpots that were creating an eyesore, Spencer asked her branch manager at the time if she could make some improvements, and soon the garden began to take shape.
Then Meagan joined the team, "and she was super supportive of the idea. She took it to the next level to make it an educational garden,” Diana said.
Meagan pulled together some research about green spaces, and utilized her own gardening expertise. A local Girl Scout troop helped put their plan into action, sowing new plants in the spaces. While Library staff have largely kept up with maintenance over the years, a full-time volunteer is now on board to tend to it on a more regular basis.
“We have the rocks, the pots, the soil, and we’re composting and regenerating,” said Diana. “We’re drying plants out and planting the seeds and recycling each year. We start everything from seeds, so kids can guess what’s growing and watch the life cycle of seeds.”
The events of the past year presented some new challenges for the garden, when the pandemic meant that all Johnson County Libraries closed their doors.
Now, as the world comes back to life, so has the garden. Over the years, Corinth has built programming to connect to the garden, incorporating the 6 by 6 skills for early literacy. Other programs have included an aromatherapy session that used scents from the herbs, and “plantable” bookmarks made from recycled paper with wildflower seeds embedded. This year, the Summer Reading launch will prominently feature Corinth’s garden as well as a Master Gardener giving tips and advice.
“This summer, with Summer Reading being all about animals, we got onto the topic of wildlife and ecology, and the ways that we can help wildlife in our community,” said Christin. “Rather than simply talk to people about how you can plant natives or bring native species into your space, we wanted to tell the story of the Library doing that.”
Christin and Diana noted that the pandemic and events of the past year have also placed new importance on outdoor spaces, shedding light on the value of the project that started as a labor of love.
“Revitalizing the garden and being able to open that space again...It feels really big to me, especially this year. People can go to the Library, sit on the patio and chat, or smell the plants growing while they watch their kids,” Christin said. “Communities look to their Library now in ways that they didn’t before. Libraries are not just a quiet building, but where people live their lives and engage with their community. People need those connection points.”