The Urbana Free Library will be renovating the landscaping around the exterior of the Library building starting September 3, 2024. Funding for this project is supported by The Urbana Free Library Foundation, including a generous donation from Urbana residents Terry and Barbara England. In recognition of their significant contribution, the new landscaping will be named the England Gardens.
The landscaping will be designed and installed by Country Arbors, a local Urbana nursery specializing in low-maintenance landscapes and locally grown plants. The gardens will include a variety of pollinators and native plants that thrive in Illinois weather. Starting in September, patrons can pick up a map of the gardens, which includes a list of all the new plants that are being installed. Some current plants will be moved and reused in other areas around the building. Any healthy plants that are not reused will be given away to the public. For updates on when plants will be available to the public, residents can visit the Library’s website, social media pages, or subscribe to its monthly newsletter.
Founded in 1874, The Urbana Free Library has been serving the Urbana community for 150 years and is one of the oldest public libraries in the state of Illinois. The Library encourages learning and enriches lives by providing access to a wide collection of materials, technology, programs, and services. The Library is led by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
For more information on this project, The Urbana Free Library, and The Urbana Free Library Foundation, please visit urbanafreelibrary.org.