About
PCPLS offers a variety of spaces to explore and engage with the Library and learn in unique and exciting ways. Through the creation of Library gardens at all of our branches, we are able to encourage literacy skills, promote health and wellness, provide opportunities to increase social and play skills, as well as create an open air environment to relax and gather safely.
Each garden was designed to be unique to the community it resides in while also featuring elements that represent the geographic, geological,and industrial uniqueness of Porter County.
A true community project, these gardens were created through a public-private partnership including federal and state grants, local grants, sponsorships, and donations.
Rotary Library Garden
Est. 2021
The creation of the Rotary Library Garden was a joint endeavor between the Library, the City of Valparaiso, Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission, Valparaiso Rotary Club, and local community members/organizations to create an engaging outdoor library space. The foundation of this project was a $500,000 grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs to remove the blighted Chase Bank property on 106 Jefferson St., Valparaiso, IN. In addition, the Valparaiso Rotary committed their centennial project to the Library Plaza. The Library Board selected Shive–Hattery, the same design team as the Central Park Plaza, to create this whimsical space that provides an outdoor landscape filled with engaging features and opportunities to experience the Library like never before. Construction was completed in April 2021 by Berglund Construction Co.
Portage Library Garden
Est. 2024
The Portage Library Learning Garden was built in collaboration with the City of Portage and the Porter County Government. This new space provides an outdoor gathering area that is open for the entire community to enjoy.
During the depths of the pandemic in early 2020, a spark ignited by a conversation between PCPLS Director, Jesse Butz, and the City of Portage’s Mayor, Sue Lynch. The two wanted to come together to create an outdoor space near the Portage branch of the Porter County Public Library System, so that folks would be able to access free WiFi provided by the library while also remaining safe.
The two continued to collaborate on this project, further expanding it, until it evolved into what it is now – an engaging outdoor space where children and adults alike can gather to learn and grow as a community. Primarily community-driven, this garden was made possible by financial support from the City of Portage’s Redevelopment Commission, City Council, the Porter County Council and Commissioners, the Porter County Auditor, as well as public sponsorship opportunities.
South Haven Library Garden
Est. 2024
The South Haven Library Garden has created a magical space for children to explore nature and the library in new and exciting ways. With the support of the Porter County Council and Commissioners, the Porter County Auditor, as well as public and private sponsorchips, we have created a magical woodland adventure that offers interactive play, musical features, and StoryWalk that complement the natural space.
Hebron Library Garden
Coming 2025
Kouts Library Garden
Coming 2025
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To be a part of these amazing projects, consider donating or sponsoring your favorite feature. Sponsorship and donation opportunities can be found here: