About The Story Garden
Our Story Garden Mission
“The mission of Story Gardens is to educate and enrich the community through exploration in an outdoor garden. Story Gardens is an open air branch of the library that promotes literacy and life-long learning through its literature-based themes and outdoor library programs.”
The Story Garden is designed for children, families and people of all ages to take part in the biggest story of all; the story of the natural world. Through hands on involvement, together we are growing a living story. Join us!
If you would like more information about Story Gardens, please contact Library Director Ashlee Kunkel at (608) 868-7462 or by email at kunkel.ashlee@miltonpubliclibrary.org.
Every August, the library hosts an Art Walk in Story Gardens featuring artwork by local artists. All pieces are auctioned off as a fundraiser for the continued development of Story Gardens.
Now a Part of the Ice Age Trail!
In collaboration with the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the Ice Age Trail has been rerouted to go through Story Gardens. Following the yellow blazes, the route takes walkers/hikers to the library’s parking lot, down through Story Gardens along the pathway, down the back ramp to Davis St., behind the School District of Milton district office building, to Columbus St., and to College St. where it continues through Milton.
Story Gardens would not be possible without a plethora of community support through donations, volunteering, in-kind work, and more. Please enjoy this video of the creation of our shade garden thanks to Braxton Lopez’s Eagle Scout project, with guidance by Barbara and David Bendlin.
100 Monarchs: A Women’s Fundraising Campaign
Over 6 years ago, the library began the journey of fundraising for an expansion and remodel. It was time to create a community space that was reflective of the goals of library staff to create a welcoming, open, creative, and collaborative space for community members of all ages.
The 100 Women Campaign officially kicked off our fundraising efforts. The Milton Public Library started with a handful of women back in 1904 with the Fortnightly Club, and we wanted to embrace that idea again with the library’s next big step. And because of over 100 other women, we were able to do so.
We were able to continue that succcess with Story Gardens! Thanks to 100 women and their support of the library, this beautiful archway is now a focal point of the gardens.
This archway’s concept was created by local metal artist John Dorn, owner of Wisconsin Wrought Iron. Each butterfly, which were cut and powder coated by Blackout Window Tint & Powder Coating, feature a name plate. Name plates are donated by American Awards and Promotions.
StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children’s book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you’re directed to the next page in the story.
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and has developed with the help of Rachel Senechal, formerly of the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
StoryWalk® Sponsor
The library plans on featuring two different picture books a month, except during the colder and snowier parts of the year. To properly display a picture book, two copies of the book need to be purchased and the pages need to be laminated.
We are looking for sponsors for those StoryWalk stories! A donation of $50.00 would cover the cost of the two books and the materials needed for laminating. Your donation will be recognized at the beginning of the StoryWalk® and on the library’s website and social media. Books will be chosen by library staff.
To be a sponsor, please fill out this StoryWalk® donation form and mail it or bring in your donation to the library! Forms are also available at the main circulation desk. Checks can be written out to Milton Public Library. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashlee, Library Director, at kunkel.ashlee@miltonpubliclibrary.org.
