News : Youth Garden now offers library; party set for Sept. 29

The new 'take-a-book, leave-a-book' library is now available at the Community Youth Garden.

The Community Youth Garden, says Martha Neuzil, is one of the best-kept secrets in the area.

Now, the garden has one more attraction for local residents – a free “take-a-book, leave-a-book” library.

A new birdhouse now rests among the flowers and vegetables, where anyone of any age is invited to come to borrow a book, or donate one.

The birdhouse is full of books representing a variety of subjects. Volunteers with the help of the 4-H members built it.

Garden Party Sept. 29

Built on a lot where the 2008 flood destroyed some homes at the intersection of 4th Ave and 2nd Street, the garden is a project of the Benton County Extension Office, along with adult volunteers and about 20 4-H members.

To celebrate the garden, and to give area residents an opportunity to learn more about the many vegetables and flowers growing there, organizers are planning a garden party at 3:30 p.m on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Everyone is invited.

“We are having the party for several reasons,” said Neuzil. “To honor the volunteers who have helped to show off the garden to the community, to let people know about the new free library.”

The event will include entertainment, and special invitations will be sent to city leaders and the Vinton Parks and Recreation Dept. to honor them for their involvement.

Situated on four lots left vacant after the flood-buyout, the garden has been growing every year.

Recent additions include a strawberry bed and blueberry bushes, said Neuzil.

Another new favorite is the cut flower garden, which the youngsters eagerly look forward to doing during their weekly visits.

Approximately 20 youth are involved in the garden this year.

“It is truly a community garden,” says Neuzil. “We have support from people all over. Everybody helps.”