Soon you’ll be able to snack on blueberries right off the bush when you visit a Dekalb County Public Library. It’s part of an initiative known as Edible Libraries, from local non-profit Roots Down.
The current pilot project involves a complete overhaul of the landscaping at six Dekalb libraries, to include fruit trees, berry bushes, vegetable gardens, and native plants.
At each groundbreaking, the public is invited to a garden party to celebrate and learn more learn about the project. (See the list of upcoming events below!)
The project will eventually expand to all 23 Dekalb County libraries — and the organization is exploring ways to plant at senior centers and schools as well.
From the Roots Down blog:
Libraries are cornerstones of our society. With an average of 10 visits to the library per year, people are twice as likely to visit a library than go to the movies. Libraries offer opportunities to everyone who goes there, with free internet, computers, books, and resources to prepare for jobs or find the right kind of health insurance.
That’s why we’re so excited to be installing edible and native landscaping known as Productive Urban Landscapes at six libraries in DeKalb County libraries.
The six pilot libraries are:
- Clarkston Library (951 N. Indian Creek Dr.)
- Lithonia Library (6821 Church St.)
- Hairston Crossing Library (4911 Redan Rd., Stone Mountain)
- Salem Panola Library (5137 Salem Rd., Stonecrest)
- Stonecrest Library (3123 Klondike Rd.)
- Redan-Trotti Library (1560 Wellborn Rd, Lithonia)
Plantings so far include pomegranate, fig, pineapple guava, Asian pears, blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and peppers.
Roots Down has also installed wildflower meadows and butterfly gardens at the libraries.
Upcoming events at Edible Libraries
Throughout the summer,there will be public events at the Edible Libraries. They will include music, refreshments, garden tours, and giveaways. The events are outdoors, and you are requested to bring a mask.
Thursday, July 15th
Greenhive Garden Party
1 to 4 p.m.
Lithonia Davidson Library
6821 Church St.
Lithonia, GA 30058
Thursday, July 22nd
Greenhive Garden Adventure
1 to 4 p.m.
Salem-Panola Library
5137 Salem Rd
Lithonia, GA 30038
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More upcoming summer events:
