In 2023, the LME Library received a $20,000 grant to start an accessible community garden! Funds added an accessible sidewalk into the hosta garden and started a community garden. The LME Garden Adopt a Plot 2024 and 2025 seasons were successful and the 2026 season sign-up is now OPEN. Feel free to check our pantry area in the LME Library for any abundant produce throughout the summer and fall!

The Lillie M. Evans Library started developing the library garden with Greenview Nursery during our expansion project in 2000. At that time, walkways were added to the center courtyard and flowers, trees and shrubs were planted to allow library users to enjoy our green spaces. This was then expanded along the west side of the building with a hosta garden. Many thanks to Mary and Jess Arnold for all their hard work to develop and maintain these areas. By providing an outdoor area for the community, the library offers a unique way to connect literacy, learning, and an appreciation for nature as a regular part of the library visit.

During our 2017 expansion, the library garden was extended all the way around the building. In addition to providing an appreciation of nature and access to a community green space, we wanted the garden to be a sustainable way that incorporates native plants while providing the four basic elements all living creatures (such as birds, butterflies and bees) require: food, water, cover and places to raise young.

 Resources

Recently our Project Next Generation Young Naturalists have helped us develop the LME Library Garden Brochure. This brochure is available online or at the library and provides more information about our gardens and plants. Project Next Generation were awarded grants from the Illinois State Library using federal Library Services and Technology Act funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, visit  http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/grants/png.html.

LME Library's RSAcat materials on native plants and pollinators

WebJunction resources on Library Gardens

School Garden Guides from NYC Schools: https://www.grownyceducation.org/school-garden-guides 

American Community Gardening Association: https://www.communitygarden.org/

Charity Blooms in Aurora, IL: https://www.charityblooms.org/

Plainfield IL Garden Plots: http://plainfield-township.com/garden-plot/

FEED Kearsarge's Victory Garden Toolkit 

WebJunction's Growing Library Gardens Resources