The Manheim Township Public Library will unveil a new outdoor exhibit this fall aimed at getting children outdoors. The Children's Discovery Meadow at the library will officially open to the public on Sept. 10.

Grand opening festivities will include a special family sing-a-long, led by beloved MTPL staffer, Mr. Dan at 11:30 a.m., which will be followed by the ribbon cutting. Children will be able to sow their own meadow seed in a planting area in front of the library immediately following the ceremony. Weather permitting, all events will be held outside.

"The Children's Discovery Meadow was always in the long range plans for the library located in Overlook Community Campus" said MTPL board member and master gardener Marylou Barton. "We are thrilled to share this amazing resource with the public."

The Children's Discovery Meadow would not have been possible without the generous donations of nearly a dozen local businesses, two grants and the support of HabitatMT, a Manheim Township community group dedicated to re-establishing native plant species in our parks.

"Restoring areas of the Campus with local native plantings is a priority of HabitatMT," said Lydia Martin, Manheim Township Field Coordinator and Master Gardener. "We are pleased to be a part of this exciting project at Manheim Township Public Library."

The Children's Discovery Meadow is an area for children to discover the native meadow habitat, explore plants and insects and learn about soil conservation. The area will boast a water feature, exploration troughs and natural stone benches. Backpacks filled with exploration items will be available in the library for hands-on study of the Children's Discovery Meadow.

Those interested in attending the grand opening of the Children's Discovery Meadow are asked to register online at www.mtpl.info/calendar, during their next visit to the library or by calling 560-6441.