Provided by Prince William Public Libraries
PWPL is committed to enhancing their library spaces, both inside and outside. In addition to two new Makerspaces at Bull Run and Central Libraries, a Gaming Room at Montclair Library, and a Teen Area at Chinn Park Library, PWPL also wants you to enjoy the outdoors and nature surrounding their buildings.
Pollinator gardens have been planted at six Prince William Public Libraries’ branches: Bull Run, Central, Haymarket Gainesville, Independent Hill, Montclair, and Nokesville Library. Funded by a ChangeX grant, these gardens are a wonderful place to relax amongst butterflies and bees and enjoy special programs.
If you want to spend an afternoon relaxing in one of the pollinator gardens, you can still connect to PWPL’s public Wi-Fi. Whether you want to download a new e-book to your tablet or still need to answer a few pesky work emails, you can do just that. There are benches for you to sit and relax at Central, Haymarket, and Montclair, and pavilions with seating at Independent Hill and Nokesville.
When it’s time to stretch and move a bit, check out a story trail. The story trail behind Independent Hill Library has a new story every season around the one-mile loop. The story trail was completed last year in collaboration with Prince William County Parks and Keep Prince William Beautiful through funding provided by Sentara. Eagle Scouts installed the posts along the trail. Chinn Park Library now has a story trail among a paved path, perfect for young readers. It now features a story of an acorn, teaching young readers about the circles of life in nature.
Speaking of story trails, stop by Central Green, located at Central Library. Central Green was designed as a multi-purpose outdoor area for hands-on environmental education, programming, and relaxation. The fenced-in space includes a windmill, solar lights, a weather station, and a story trail that pairs literacy with exercise and promotes overall well-being. Check Central Library’s program schedule for outdoor activities at Central Green.
Prince William Public Libraries can also help you enjoy nature beyond their buildings. Check out an “I Love Virginia State Parks” Backpack – inside, you’ll find a free parking pass that you can use at any Virginia State Park and guides about insects, flowers, and animal tracks. There’s also a magnifying glass and net for children to use and explore.
Learn more about library spaces at pwcva.gov/library or visit any of the libraries this summer.
