Ribbon Cutting Of Middletown Library Children's Garden

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Here's a photo from the grand opening Saturday of the new children's garden at the Middletown Public Library (55 New Monmouth Road).

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 plants, permanent seating and a trickling water fountain.

It will be called the Joyce P. Murphy Children’s Garden, dedicated to the memory of longtime Middletown library employee Joyce Murphy, who 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. Joyce's surviving family was at the event on Saturday.