On April 12, 2022, Robin Gibson, Youth Services Manager at the Westerville Public Library, was presented with Otterbein University's Civic Community Partner Award for her work with the Garden Explorers program at the Otterbein Community Garden and her coordination of Otterbein student volunteers for the Westerville Public Library's Homework Help Center.
The library and university staff have worked together for several years to host Garden Explorers, a summer program that invites kids ages 6-8 to Otterbein's community garden for nature stories read aloud by a librarian and a guided exploration of the garden led by Otterbein student volunteers. Topics include weeds, wildflowers, dirt, bugs, and more. Activities may involve digging, planting, and watering.
"This award exemplifies Robin’s commitment to our community. During the ceremony, Robin remarked that she was getting an award for doing things she loves. It was evident that her hard work and dedication was appreciated by her colleagues at Otterbein. Also, Robin knew several of the staff and students receiving awards. Just further evidence of her strong relationship with our community," says Kristin Michel, Assistant Director at the Westerville Public Library.
