Clarkston Heights branch of Asotin County Library celebrates grant-funded outdoor improvements

A nice-sized crowd gathered Thursday at the Clarkston Heights Branch of the Asotin County Library to celebrate grant-funded outdoor improvements.

As the Kahuna Ukuleles played under shade trees, kids enjoyed painting rocks, planting sunflowers and eating snacks at the Fourth Avenue site. The event officially launched a fun new Learning Garden project, said Director Jennifer Ashby.

A $50,000 grant from T-Mobile, plus $10,000 from Innovia and another $10,000 from an anonymous donor will help build a patio garden and a StoryWalk. The money was recently awarded to the library foundation, and architect Don Brigham is lending his landscape skills, free of charge, for the design work.

“I love our little Heights Branch, and I’m so excited to make better use of its incredible outdoor space,” said Erin Kolb, adult services librarian. “The yard space is bigger than the branch itself. It makes so much sense to utilize it and expand our community meeting space.”

A concrete patio, “smart-shaped” garden, raised garden beds and a book-reading path will help the library promote healthy habits and environmental responsibility, library officials said.

Kolb said she’s excited to see “a beautifully landscaped and functional space for people to explore and gather,” once the project is completed.

“The StoryWalk will certainly be a big draw for kids and their grown-ups, but I’m also looking forward to hosting a variety of programs outside for people of all ages. And of course, I think a major win for our community is that we are adding a park-like space to the Heights,” Kolb said.

Beginning in 2021, T-Mobile has provided more than $13 million in Hometown Grants to small towns and rural communities. According to a news release, the grants have created more than 78,000 volunteer hours and rallied people to work together to uplift their communities.

“Hometown Grants is T-Mobile’s way of giving people in small towns a chance to build a more resilient future, and it’s incredibly inspiring to see the impacts it’s had on 300 communities, knowing there’s many more to come,” said Jon Freier, president of the T-Mobile consumer group.

Ashby said several master gardeners will be assisting with the garden in the Heights. A completion date has not been set, but library patrons are encouraged to visit the branch to check on the progress and learn more about gardening.

The Heights Branch is located at 2036 Fourth Ave., near Lincoln Middle School and the Asotin County Fire District’s campus along Appleside Boulevard. The main branch is in downtown Clarkston, and activities for kids and adults can be found on the library’s website at asotincountylibrary.org.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com. You can follow her on X @newsfromkerri.