The Learning Garden at Northland Public Library
The Learning Garden: A Place for fair-weather library programs, Discovery & Exploration times and a tranquil, natural reading space for patrons of all ages. Our garden is accessible to those with differing abilities with features to enhance comfort.
The Sensory Nook is a great place for people with sensory processing differences to listen to programs in the pavilion without being overwhelmed by crowds or noise. They can feel safe in a cocoon of boxwood hedges surrounded by the scent of herbs like lavender and thyme.
During programs, the Learning Garden will only be accessible to patrons engaged in the scheduled program. Discovery & Exploration times for patrons to read, explore and enjoy the Learning Garden will happen each week between May and October, weather permitting. One of the various themed Garden Kits may also be borrowed for use during this time.
The Learning Garden Kits promote open-ended, dramatic play, which builds narrative skills, vocabulary, and sequencing. For all kits, patrons will leave collateral (car keys, library card, etc.) with the docent, for a kit to use in the garden.
Current kits available:
- Sensory: Rain sticks in different sizes provide interesting and soothing sounds
- Fairy Garden: Fairies, pixies, and accessories for imaginative play in the Fairy Garden area
- Dinosaur Garden: Dinosaurs and accessories for prehistoric imaginative play
- Futuristic Garden: Space craft, space explorers and their robot colleagues
We also have a weather station installed on the pavilion as an educational tool to learn about weather. The station measures temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction and rain with an automatic self-emptying rain collection cup. It transmits data every 18-30 seconds, so you can check the weather before you plan your trip to the Learning Garden. Link to weather station
Check our calendar for an up-to-date schedule of programs in The Learning Garden.