The Not-So-Secret Woods Garden Provides
Art Al Fresco Opportunities and More
While the Bertram Woods Branch has boasted a reading garden for over 25 years, Shaker
residents are still discovering this cozy little retreat. Nestled within a courtyard behind
the building, the garden provides a peaceful place to read, and is host to birds, butterflies,
and a variety of pollinator-attracting plants. It has been the site of receptions, meet-theauthor
events, and even a wine tasting.
The garden was the brainchild of former Branch Manager Sara Schiller and came to
fruition in 1993 with a bequest from Hazel Watt and a significant donation from Sally
Hopwood. Many other residents added their contributions and are acknowledged on a
plaque hanging by the garden door.
The garden took shape around a stately oak tree. A brick patio was laid, surrounded
by shade plantings, enhanced with teak seating, and enclosed by wooden fencing. A
six-foot bronze column entitled “Journey In Search of Knowledge,” created by sculptor
Andrew T. Chakalis, was presented to the Library by the friends and family of Diane R.
Sudak to honor her memory.
When the old oak was removed, what had been a shady spot is now a sun-filled
area where new plantings were placed. Branch Manager Lynne Miller opted for lowmaintenance
perennials that attract pollinators. “Knowing that pollinators such as honey
bees and Monarch butterflies are at risk, we
wanted to supplement their habitat with
plants that would attract and sustain them,
like coneflower, yarrow, bee balm, butterfly
bush, and milkweed. If you sit in the garden on
a summer day, you might see hummingbirds
and a variety of bees and butterflies.”
In the summer, the garden is abuzz with
artistic activity in the afternoons. Armed with
pipe cleaners and bubble wands, kids ranging
in ages from 3-12 blow colorful bubbles onto
their papers, ooing and ahhing at the circular
imprints of color that appear as they burst.
Art can be messy as anyone who has
watched an active toddler with a paint brush can attest. The activity, however, is worth
the mess because it encourages self-expression and creative problem-solving. Creating art
outdoors means adults don’t have to worry about the potential for mess so they can relax
and enjoy the creative process with a child.
A splatter-painting activity, which involves splashing paint onto a canvas by flicking
a brush, allows children to use gross motor skills along with the fine motor skills typically
associated with painting. Who knows? The next Jackson Pollock just might get his or her
start in the garden.
28 SPRING 2019 | WWW.SHAKER.LIFE
Upcoming Outdoor Art
Opportunities at Woods Branch
Thursday, June 13. .4-4:45 pm
Create a space scene with stars and planets.
Thursday, July 11. .4-4:45 pm
Create a nebula using spray watercolor paint.
Community Information Center
The Library has created a Community
Information Center (CIC), located near
the magazine area at Main Library. A
large, colorful sign by the window directs
residents to an area filled with brochures,
pamphlets, and tip sheets from local
community agencies to address many of
their questions. In the world of instant
information, the CIC is a homey, old-school
area to find and take home information on
a variety of issues and topics.
Whether it’s the City’s recycling
guidelines or a social service agency’s
tips for helping a family member, the
Community Information Center carries
the information.
Some of the shared information
addresses sensitive questions that
customers might be reluctant to ask.
Librarian Gabriel Venditti says, “The
Reference staff is here to help people find
the answers. While we always maintain
confidentiality, sometimes people don’t
want to ask questions of a personal
nature. The Community Information
Center serves as the answer. Of course,
no matter what the question, we’re always
available to help.”
Got Questions?
The Library Has Answers
The Library Reference Desk is the place
to go for help in finding the right answer.
Staff not only provide information, they
also teach customers how to search for
accurate and reliable information. The
Reference Desk is like a map to the Library
and the reference staff holds the key.
Staff teach people how to use the
catalog and the online database, help them
find books from the shelves, recommend
books, and provide information on how to
search and find what they need. They help
customers learn how to download books
to their devices and teach how to stream
free movies. And they do this in person, by
phone, and online.
@ Shaker Library
/WWW.SHAKER.LIFE