A few of your favorite things (about the library)
If I were to ask you to tell me your favorite thing about the library, what would you say? Actually, I did ask you. Earlier this year, we conducted a big survey. The results of a similar question revealed that you:
- Love books
- Love DVDs
- Love having a relaxing place to read and just be.
So much has changed since I asked that question in January. But, I would guess that you appreciate the escape of a great book or movie and a calming atmosphere now, more than ever.
Over the past few years, we’ve been working on a feature of the Sandpoint Library that is gradually taking shape. Soon, you will be able to read a book, stream a show or music on your device, and enjoy the calming atmosphere of The Library Garden. Yes, we are creating an outdoor space for you to enjoy at the library.
The garden was originally conceptualized during Your Library Transformation; the Sandpoint Library’s remodel and expansion project completed in 2018. The parcel had been purchased several years earlier with two buildings that were removed at the beginning of the project.
A small committee formed to help drive the garden forward with members who represented local community gardens, architectural design, community arts, nutrition, grants, and other relevant expertise.
Early on, a volunteer force built raised beds where a variety of seeds were planted and cultivated to produce food for the Bonner Community Food Bank. Educational programs for elementary school children and teens helped kids learn about food sustainability and nutrition, thanks to the Blue Cross of Idaho High Five Community Transformation grant offered by the City of Sandpoint.
Other local donors came together to fund fencing, garden materials, and a greenhouse that would serve as a part-time educational space. All Seasons Garden and Floral, Bonner County Justice Program, Cedar Hills Church, Greentree Naturals, Idaho Forest Group, Kinnickinnick Native Plant Society, Panhandle Health District, Ponderay Garden Center, and the Selkirk Association of Realtors/National Association of Realtors contributed funds and in-kind donations that made the first two years of food production and education possible. Karen Oleson of Siteline Design donated her time and talent to design the architectural plans.
The 2020 garden season was a bit different – as all things in 2020 have been. The educational aspect was put on hold while volunteers quietly worked behind the scenes to install pavers, tend the garden beds, and deliver produce to the food bank. Through a generous donation from the Gilmore Family Trust, a new water feature was installed and another one is in the works. Library maintenance staff built an arbor and installed benches donated by the Sandpoint Rotary at the entrance. Several hard-working volunteers planted, labeled, and cultivated ornamental plants along the perimeter of the garden fence. Library Trustee, Judy Meyer and a team of volunteers dedicated hours of their time planting, weeding, and harvesting the garden. Longtime Seed Library volunteer, Duane Church lent his extensive gardening and seed-saving expertise. Nanci Jenkins of the Bonner County Coalition for Health wrote grants and connected the garden to other community initiatives. Michele Murphrey, well known for her involvement with community gardens, Food for our Children, and volunteerism, was instrumental in the success of The Library Garden in 2020 and from the start.
While food production has been a large part of its past, and education will be a significant part of its future, Library Director Ann Nichols paints a different picture of the main purpose of The Library Garden.
“We envision this to be a place for relaxation and reflection; an outdoor extension of the library where people can enjoy the plants, water features, art and a good book along with others in their community,” she told me.
As we put the garden to bed for the 2020 season, the water feature has been winterized and a new sign has been installed on the fence. Thank you to the many donors and volunteers who have had a hand in making The Library Garden a reality so that we can all love our library even more.
StoryWalk™ - At Dover City Park enjoy "The Monster’s Monster" by Patrick McDonnell, and "Kitten’s First Full Moon”" by Kevin Henkes at McNearney Park in Ponderay. Titles are updated monthly and posted at facebook.com/BonnerStoryWalk.
