Middletown Library Children's Garden Will Open This Saturday

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The brand-new children's garden at the Middletown Public Library will officially open this Saturday, July 22.

All in Middletown are welcome to attend this community event and tour the garden. There will be a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m., followed by ice cream, crafts and a children's storytime. The children's garden will be used as an outdoor space for story times, library programs and contemplation. The gated garden will include landscaping with all native plant species, programming space, permanent seating and a water feature.

It will be called the Joyce P. Murphy Children’s Garden, dedicated to the memory of longtime Middletown library employee Joyce P. Murphy.

Joyce worked for the Middletown Public Library for 12 years, until her unexpected death in February 2021. She was a dedicated advocate for children’s literacy and learning.

Murphy's family, library officials and Middletown Mayor Tony Perry will be there Saturday.

Funds were primarily donated by the Murphy family. Additional contributions were provided by The Friends of MTPL and the Library Board of Trustees. Matthew Boylan of Boylan Tree Services donated the tree rounds that will be used in the garden’s program space.