The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library proudly features two outdoor, award-winning Literacy Gardens. We are the winner of the 2026 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award and recipient of a Certificate of Commendation from Heritage Preservation, Incorporated.
The Children's Garden was established in honor of Terry & Susan Anderson's Grandchildren. Located on the South end of the building, it features:
- a pergola
- a chalkboard
- a variety of accessible seating
- musical instruments
- free Wi-Fi access
The Reading Garden was established in memory of William Dickerson "Dick" Jordan. Located on the North end of the building, it features:
- a pergola
- a solar-powered picnic table charging station
- a variety of accessible seating
- free Wi-Fi access
Visitor Policies
- Open hours are 10:30AM-6:30PM (Monday through Thursday), 10:30AM-4:30PM (Friday and Saturday), and 1:30-4:30 (Sunday).
- Patrons must first enter the library from Wood Avenue or the parking lot entrance and then go into the outdoor spaces.
- Parents or guardians must accompany children under 13 years of age.
- Seating space is limited. No belongings can be left behind to reserve a space.
- The Literacy Gardens cannot be reserved for meetings or events.
- Only Library-sponsored programs or events may be reserved in the outdoor spaces.
- Patrons must wear headphones or earbuds when listening to music or videos.
- Please respect others and use a low volume when speaking on the phone.
- No sleeping or lying on the outdoor benches.
- Drinks must have lids, and food must be in boxes or sacks.
- Your FLPL Wireless Patron ID is your library barcode number, and your password is the last 4 digits of the phone number associated with your account.
- The library reserves the right to alter access to the outdoor spaces if usage would interfere with special programming inside the library facility.
- Please be courteous and do not play the musical instruments during library programs unless directed to do so by library staff.
- Use equipment/furniture only as it is intended and do not climb on it in a way that would be damaging or harmful to others.
- Personal seating such as folding or camp chairs may not be brought into the spaces.
- Pets are not allowed in the outdoor spaces, except for service animals.
- Outdoor spaces are monitored by video cameras.
- Exterior gates will remain locked except for special events.
- Clean up your belongings and dispose of trash when leaving the space.
- All patrons visiting FLPL Literacy Gardens must remain in compliance with the FLPL Code of Conduct.







