Poetry Path

Welcome to the Northwest Library Poetry Path!

What is it?

The Northwest Library Poetry Path is an outdoor learning environment featuring the work of six American poets on permanent display. The poets include Brod Bagert, David Baker, Maggie Smith, David Romtvedt, Karen Weyant and James Wright. Poems were selected for their quality, broad appeal and subject matter. They highlight our relationship with the natural world and invite reflection and contemplation in a beautiful outdoor space.

Accessible to persons with disabilities, the poetry path features a variety of native Ohio plants, gravel pathways, a dry creekbed with local pebbles and boulders, a bird habitat area and safe "pondless" water features. Several plant beds also absorb stormwater runoff, which reduces flooding of the area following heavy rainfall.

Why did we create it?

The poetry path and garden meets a community need for outdoor learning and recreational spaces. It also supports the library's core values of innovation and fun. By expanding the Library to an outdoor space, we enrich the ways people learn and discover. The poems, water features, plants and programs planned in the space provide additional opportunities to surprise and delight library visitors.

What can you do in it?

You're welcome to walk the path anytime to read, play and relax. Go on a scavenger hunt. Check out what's blooming or watch the bees, birds and butterflies.

Did you know?

Research has shown the importance of outdoor spaces to children's learning. Studies have found that outdoor learning benefits children's creativity, problem-solving skills and mental, physical and emotional development.

Having access to outdoor natural spaces is also important for the well-being of people of all ages. Just five minutes of outdoor activity is enough to boost mental health!

Thank you!

Thank you to the following organizations that made the Northwest Library Poetry Path possible:

• Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
• Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Franklin County Master Gardener Volunteer Program
• Target
• Community volunteers

Want to help?

Become a garden volunteer, or make a tax-deductible contribution to help maintain the library's gardens.

Call 614-807-2604 for more information.