Cultivating Community: How Rural Libraries are Growing Health and Wellness Through Gardens

Abstract

Many public libraries today have an outdoor space or garden. This paper describes a project that supported three rural public libraries’ community garden projects and associated activities. The librarians explain how their garden fits into the library, its support mechanisms, and related projects and initiatives. Gardens offer space for programming and a connection to other programs focused on health, food literacy, and STEM learning. The librarians also discussed some of the barriers that they have found to program expansion, including funding, time, and personnel. Their stories illustrate the importance of partnerships and knowing the community.

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