Beverly Stearns and Dave Swartz (center) look over the newly refurbished garden in Jerome Library with Dean Thomas Atwood.
Library staff honors dean with refurbished indoor garden
Nature and literature meet at the newly renovated garden on the first floor of Jerome Library.
The design captures the spirit of the library by blending botanical plantings with materials that incorporate elements of
the library's murals, created by artist Donald Drumm.
The attractive garden space was made possible through generous gifts from members of the University Libraries staff to honor
Dean Thomas Atwood. A nature enthusiast, Atwood has advocated for improving the appearance of the library, and redesigning
the garden has brought his vision to life. The idea originated with staff member Dave Swartz, and the design was created and
implemented by members of the library's Facilities and Security Committee in consultation with Klotz Floral and Garden Center
and Bostdorff Greenhouse.
The garden offers a serene vista to visitors who enter the building or students who study and relax in the comfortable new
furniture nearby. It not only serves as a visual focal point, but also as a sign of things to come. This spring, the Friends
of the University Libraries will sponsor the redesign of the north and south light courts in the library.
