Introducing the Portage Library Garden!

Porter County Public Library System is so excited to announce the development of a new community garden plaza located at the Portage Public Library. Being built in collaboration with the City of Portage and the Porter County Government, this new space will provide an outdoor gathering area that is open for the entire community.

During the depths of the pandemic in early 2020, a spark ignited by a conversation between PCPLS Director, Jesse Butz, and the City of Portage’s Mayor, Sue Lynch. The two wanted to come together to create an outdoor space near the Portage branch of the Porter County Public Library System, so that folks would be able to access free WiFi provided by the library while also remaining safe.

The two continued to collaborate on this project, further expanding it, until it evolved into what it is now – an engaging outdoor space where children and adults alike can gather to learn and grow as a community. Primarily community-driven, this garden is being made possible by financial support from the City of Portage’s Redevelopment Commission, City Council, the Porter County Council and Commissioners, the Porter County Auditor, as well as public sponsorship opportunities. After the success of the initial Rotary Library Garden, the Porter County Government is also allocating ARPA funding to supporting PCPLS as we provide community gardens at all of our branches.

Opportunities to support this amazing project are still available by clicking the “Donate” button below. To explore naming opportunities and larger contributions please contact our Director, Jesse Butz at 219-462-0524 ext 35126 or here. Please use “Portage Library Garden” in your email title.

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Naming Opportunities