A New Vision for a Library--The New Miller Library

Like everything else these days libraries are looking at new ways to provide services to a community.  The new Miller Library in Ellicott City scheduled to open later this year has some new concepts of what a library is.  Partnering with the Howard County Historical Society and other organizations, the Historical Center vision will bring history to life through research opportunities, classes, seminars, and events that focus on Howard County and Maryland history. The Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center will become the hub for historical research in Howard County and central Maryland.

I want to highlight today one additional unique feature of the Library----the Enchanted Garden at the the new Miller Library and Historical Center.  As the library web site explains the Garden will provide:
A quarter-acre parcel adjacent to the Children's area, the Enchanted Garden’s primary focus will be as a teaching garden. A section of the garden will feature a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers planted in raised beds. Schools that do not yet have their own natural gardens could visit, and/or adopt one of the patches. Children are more interested in eating vegetables and fruits when they participate in growing them. Providing our children an environmental and nutritional education while instilling a love of nature is the best way to inspire them to be the stewards of our future.
 Included will be:
• Hands-on demonstrations and participation for all ages focusing on growing and eating healthy, local food
• Environmental science and nutrition education classes that will include sustainability topics to complement the building’s LEED certification features (such as the green roof, rain gardens, solar energy, and storm water management)
• Youth gardens; school gardens; community gardeners; families; and junior Master Gardener classes utilizing and maintaining planting areas
• Partnerships with county, state, local community and education organizations to provide expertise, support and instruction involving a natural, outdoor setting promoting healthy family activities


P.S.
This link from makingCHANGE on improving your credit score


P.S.2
From the Columbia Patch about a piece of the World Trade Towers on display this Sunday