Calling Young Gardeners: Learning Gardens Appearing Soon at Cranston Public Libraries

By Katy Dorchies, Cranston Public Library

CRANSTON, RI — The Cranston Public Library is excited to announce that it will provide three Learning Gardens to youth and families this summer. Supported by a grant from the New England Grassroots Environment Fund, and donations from the William Hall Library Board of Trustees and the Cranston Public Library Teen Team, gardens at the Central Library, William Hall Library, and Oak Lawn Branch will be built throughout the month of May.

After the success of William Hall Library’s Seed Library and Agricultural Fair in recent years, the library realized that gardens provide beautiful learning opportunities to residents of all ages.

The Oak Lawn Branch will welcome two raised bed herb gardens to their property, while the Central Library and William Hall Library will support one vegetable garden each. The gardens will be built by teens and families on separate Saturdays through May, then maintained by teen volunteers throughout the summer.

The raised beds will be built at the following locations and times:

Oak Lawn Branch

Saturday, May 6 • 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

230 Wilbur Ave, Cranston, 02921

401-942-1787

Central Library

Saturday, May 13 • 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

140 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston, 02920

401-943-9080

William Hall Library

Saturday, May 20 • 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

1825 Broad St, Cranston, 02905

401-781-2450

Helpers and volunteers are encouraged to sport sunscreen and bring water! No sign-up or registration is required to help build the gardens; however, teens interested in signing up to care for the gardens and earn volunteer hours are encouraged to contact the host library location for details and times. (Garden maintenance training will be provided!)

More information, including garden plans and how-to tips are available online at cranstonlibrary.org/learning-gardens.

The New England Grassroots Environment Fund (Grassroots Fund) seeks to energize and nurture long term civic engagement in local initiatives that create and maintain healthy, just, safe and environmentally sustainable communities. The Fund uses stories, tools and dollars to fuel local activism and social change. Learn more about the Fund at grassrootsfund.org.

The CPL Teen Team is comprised of young people in grades 6-12. Members earn community service hours as they plan teen programs and services, while also raising funds for the Cranston Public Library. Learn more about the Teen Team on the CPL website at cranstonlibrary.org/teens.

Image via Shutterstock