WCPL holds dedication ceremony for new reading garden
The Wayne County Public Library held a dedication ceremony for its new reading garden at the Wayne County Main Library in downtown Wooster. A ribbon cutting took place during the ceremony and featured Francine Welty, cutting the ribbon, surrounded by Welty family members.
Submitted
On Friday, June 20, the Wayne County Public Library held a dedication ceremony for its new reading garden. The outdoor space, located at the Wayne County Main Library in downtown Wooster, was named in honor of Mildred and Wayne Welty.
It was made possible by a donation to the library’s permanent fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation from daughter Francine Welty. The ceremony was attended by the Welty family, friends, library staff and patrons.
Library Director Jennifer Shatzer said the area (located west of the main library building), which was once an underutilized lawn, is now a welcoming space designed to foster literacy, creativity and community connection. The garden features a small stage and patio area, which is ideal for outdoor story times, performances and hands-on programs.
One such program is the library’s Bibliobop, which invites children to dance and play with shaker eggs and scarves and a bubble machine.
There also are two raised garden beds that provide an opportunity for gardening and learning about nature through interactive library programs. To honor Mildred Welty’s love of daffodils, bulbs from her own garden are planted as part of the new landscaping.
“While they may not be visible now,” Shatzer said, “their blooms will brighten the space each spring, offering beauty and a joyful reminder of Mildred’s spirit.”
The library is considering plans to introduce outdoor music performances and is exploring options to open the garden to patrons during designated hours.
“Visitors may one day be able to check out a book, grab a drink from the Joyful Café and relax in the garden, enjoying literature and fresh air in this peaceful, beautifully landscaped space,” Shatzer said.
Shatzer described how the new garden is a perfect fit for the downtown community.
“The addition of the Mildred and Wayne Welty Reading Garden reflects the library's ongoing dedication to innovation, accessibility and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome,” she said. “The Wayne County Public Library is committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities and fostering connections within the community. The garden stands as a lasting tribute to Mildred and Wayne Welty and the enduring power of books to connect people, inspire minds and bring communities together.”
Francine Welty shared remarks during the dedication.“A good book doesn’t just inform; it transforms,” she said. “It can shape the way we see ourselves, others and the world. Some books sneak into our thoughts and quietly shift our values, hopes and fears. A single passage can echo in our minds for a lifetime.”
