Over the past month, the Porter patio has been transformed from an unruly garden area into a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.
The new patio space includes new paving stones, tables, chairs, and benches. It seats roughly 30 people and is expected to be a popular outdoor meeting spot during the warmer months.
The patio renovation was made possible through the dedication of many library staff who devoted both time and resources to the effort, starting first with a small group consisting of library staff members Laurie Kaufman, Shirley Fraser, and Jo Heimpel, who were "interested in sprucing up the patio to make it more relaxing and enjoyable.”
Library and Plant Operations staff members Ben Colussi and Brian Dietrich removed the overgrown garden to prepare the patio for the installation of new paving stones, tables, chairs, and benches as pictured above.
Staff contributions included a team donation of $5,000 from the Library’s Inventory and Security Implementation Group*– an amount awarded to the group through the UW Staff Excellence Awards in the category of "Fostering Innovation, Major Efficiency Improvement or Cost Savings, and Achievement of a Major Project."
The Library also received numerous gifts in memory of John Sitler, a long-time staff member in borrowing services. The gifts from John’s colleagues, family, and friends helped to fund this project. A bench has been placed in the patio and a tree planted in his memory.
Library staff celebrated the patio's opening recently, an event that also honoured long-time staff member, John Sitler. John's family (pictured right) attended the event.
The Library thanks all staff who made this project a reality. We hope that everyone enjoys the patio.
*Team members: Eric Boyd, Ian Donaghey, Betty Graf, Wish Leonard, Alex McCulloch, Ann Naese, Carl Nagel, Linda Teather, Melanie Watkins, and Charles Woods.
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