Fruitville Public Library of the Sarasota County Library System

In January 2002, Lee Wetherington met with representatives from the new Fruitville Public Library (of the Sarasota County Library System) and its not-for-profit support group, The Friends of Fruitville Public Library, to develop a productive use for the empty space just outside its back doors. Wetherington suggested a unique Reading Garden and donated the resources of Lee Wetherington Companies to make it a reality. He spearheaded a campaign to secure donations of labor and materials for the Garden, which has a Storybook Cottage and stage, waterfall, butterfly garden, herb garden, scented garden, birdhouse, bat house and many other special features. Developed in a public-private partnership among Sarasota County, Lee Wetherington Companies, trade partners, and the Home Builders Association of Sarasota County under the Home Builders Care program, the Reading Garden held its Grand Opening in October 2002. Since then, the Garden has become a cherished, valued asset for residents and the Sarasota County Library System. Valued at more than $250,000, the Reading Garden began to garner awards even in its first year of operation.