The hustle and bustle of every-day life can be overwhelming. Many of us are constantly fighting to keep up with the demands of work, school, family, and friends, and it’s easy to get caught up and forget to take care of ourselves. One way to combat this situation is to make time to enjoy the outdoors and spend some time in nature. When we’re outdoors, we’re surrounded by fresh air and sunshine which can have a calming effect on our bodies and minds. It helps us connect with nature and appreciate the simple things in life. Of course, it’s not always easy to find time to enjoy the outdoors, but that’s where the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) can help! The Santori Library has a safe, enclosed, outdoor space for caregivers and children to enjoy some fresh air all year round.
Our outdoor family space was included in the Santori Library building plans since its early stages. In 2015 we proudly held a dedication and grand opening for the newly-named Juvenile Protective Association (JPA) Children’s Nature Garden. The original garden included a water wall, garden beds, and a seating area.
Last fall, the Library was generously presented with a set of outdoor instruments on behalf of Aurora Downtown. A public vote was held in the Kiwanis Children’s Center to determine which instruments would be chosen, and the winners were a tuned drum set and a melody metallophone! “We are so thankful to Aurora Downtown for their generous donation,” said senior children’s manager, Monica Boyer. “Many children take time to play with the outdoor instruments and make their own music.” In addition to the instruments, there are several bird feeders, a Little Free Library, and outdoor toys. It’s a great space for all to enjoy!
An added benefit to having a dedicated outdoor space is that it allows for enriching outdoor programming. Our Santori Sprouts program for ages 6–11 acts as an introduction to gardening for families. Children choose their own plots of dirt and develop basic gardening skills as they care for and harvest their crops throughout the Summer months. “The kids are curious and want to learn so much about gardening. Why do we have to weed, or prepare the ground to plant or sow seeds, why are earthworms important for dirt? They ask so many questions, it’s wonderful!” said Library assistant and Santori Sprouts facilitator, Ranta Aasarala. “A caregiver recently told me that she is really happy we do this program because her kids get to know how important it is to grow plants.”
In addition to gardening programs, the children’s garden has been the location for outdoor storytimes, scavenger hunts, and storywalks. “Last December, we featured a book with the topic of Winter that had an interactive bell element that customers could participate in,” recalled Boyer. In the Spring, we had a mama robin and her baby birds in one of the trees in our garden. It was entertaining and educational to see the babies hatch, eat the bird seed we provided in bird feeders, and fly away. The garden is open year-round, weather permitting, and families seem to appreciate the enclosed space and embrace the fresh air it provides.
The next time you visit the Santori Library at 101 S. River Street with your family, consider spending some time in the Juvenile Protective Association (JPA) Children’s Nature Garden. Caregivers and children are welcome to visit the garden any time during the library’s regular hours of operation. Play with the toys, make music with the instruments, admire the garden flowers, or just take a moment to enjoy a sunny day and listen to the birds singing. You’ll be glad you did.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.