Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room at River Farm to Reopen June 1, 2024
Opening Day celebrates with face painting, story time, interactive crafts and more.
ALEXANDRIA, VA-The American Horticultural Society (AHS) is thrilled to announce the reopening of the Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room at River Farm, headquarters of the AHS. This dynamic space for young readers, which closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, will once again offer an extraordinary collection of over 1,700 books focused on nature and gardening. The library will be open every Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., beginning June 1st through August 24th. Opening Day will feature celebratory activities including face painting, story time, and interactive crafts for young children. For further details and programming, visit www.ahsgardening.org/library.
The library’s reopening was made possible by generous grants from Dominion Energy and the Ruppert Family Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Dominion Energy and the Ruppert Family Foundation, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing this beloved library back to life,” said Katie Tukey, Director of Development and Engagement at AHS. “Their commitment to promoting children’s education and a love for nature aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to once again welcome young readers to this special place.”
One of few libraries in the area dedicated to gardening and nature books for children and youth, the Children’s Nature Library and Reading Room boasts an astounding collection of over 1,700 books including a large donation from Jane L. Taylor’s book collection. An advocate of youth development and nature, Taylor established the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden at Michigan State University, the first children’s garden in North America, among other achievements. In honor of her legacy, the AHS annually presents a Great American Gardener Award in her name.
The library will also feature engaging programs for children, including story time and captivating activities from Plant Heroes, a website dedicated to providing nature-based educational programming for K-5 children. The library is enhanced by River Farm’s Children’s Garden, a charming area located just steps away from the library, specifically designed for children to explore gardening and nature in a hands-on setting. The garden reinforces the children’s educational experience in the library, bringing the words on the pages to life.
The new library welcomes local volunteers who have a desire to share their love of nature with the next generation. Volunteers will help with library opening and closing activities, leading story time, creating fun educational programs, organizing and shelving books, and more. The library is also accepting children’s book donations to expand the current collection. Dedicated contributions to River Farm may also be made to enhance the library and River Farm property by visiting www.ahsgardening.org/
River Farm is located at 7931 E. Boulevard Dr., Alexandria, Virginia 22308. It is open to the public and free to visit Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (excluding special events and some holidays). For more information, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 114 or visit www.ahsgardening.org.
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About the American Horticultural Society
Founded in 1922, the non-profit American Horticultural Society (AHS) is one of the most respected and longstanding member-based national gardening organizations in North America. The Society’s membership includes more than 22,000 aspiring, new, and experienced gardeners, plant enthusiasts, and horticultural professionals, as well as numerous regional and national partner organizations. Through its educational programs, awards, and publications, the AHS inspires a culture of gardening and horticultural practices that creates and sustains healthy, beautiful communities and a livable planet. AHS is headquartered at River Farm, 25-acre site overlooking the Potomac River that is part of George Washington’s original farmlands in Alexandria, Virginia. www.ahsgardening.org
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