READING GARDEN

Welcome to the Reading Garden

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.
Marcus Tullius Cicero

The Benton Public Library is proud to announce the opening of the new Reading Garden. This Garden was designed to add nature and a love of reading in a peaceful setting. It is for the enjoyment of all ages as they sit, relax, talk, and read under the trees. This wonderful project was made possible by the generosity of many individuals and organizations.

Among the many features of the Garden are the colorful benches which were constructed by the high school students in the Franklin County Construction Trades Class and painted by the Sesser – Valier Rembrandt Society (Art Club). These students also built and painted the chairs for The Three Bears and the dog house for Clifford the Big Red Dog.

A fence has been constructed around the Garden for the safety of our children as they enjoy such attractions as Franklin the Turtle and the log walk and stumps for the children to practice their balancing skills.

The large pavilion and gazebo provide the outdoor space needed for programs such as the Wednesday Story Hour and the popular Summer Reading Program, in addition to teen and adult activities.

Many of the trees in this Garden were planted by the ladies of the Benton Garden Club, led by Mrs. J.E. (Ruth Ann) Seymour and Mrs. Arlie (Ruby) Murphy when the previous library was built in 1955. These small seedlings that they transplanted to this area have grown to bring beauty to our garden.

We want to thank all of our donors for their support in helping us carry out our mission of enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Benton by helping to meet their recreational, educational, and professional needs. It is our further mission to encourage young children and their parents as well as adults to explore the wonder of reading and learning by providing material, group-based activities and a friendly environment.