LIBERTY — Young readers visiting the Liberty branch of the Warren-Trumbull County Library now will have a chance to use Jan’s Corner, an outdoor play area donated by the family of the late Janet Casey, an active patron of the library system.

Casey was an avid reader who encouraged her four children and, later her nine grandchildren to use the library for both entertainment and discovery.

“My wife was a believer of early childhood education,” said William Casey, 68, of his late wife. “When she babysat our grandchildren, she did not believe in sitting them in front of the television. She believed in encouraging them to do arts and crafts and to read. She always wanted them to be doing something to stretch their imaginations.

“This is a representation of her,” Casey said. “It is beautiful and is doing something for others.

“We wanted to do something to honor her memory and the way she lived,” said Casey, owner of Warren Glass and Paint. “She was a stay-at-home mom who passed on her love of reading to her children, grandchildren and to others.”

Janet Casey died Nov. 8.

The 1,233-square-foot outdoor interactive play area has a sensory path, hopscotch pavers, chalk pad, picnic table and floral landscaping.

The $22,000 project was was built using about $8,000 worth of private donations. The remainder came from the family and The Janet Miller Casey Memorial Endowment Fund.

“Mrs. Casey touched the lives of many children,” said Jill D’Andrea, head of Liberty’s Children’s Library program. “She was a loyal participant of the Storytime program when I was in Brookfield and followed me when I transferred to Liberty.

“It is a beautiful thing that this family has done,” said Eunice Bradley, who took her granddaughter to the dedication of the play area. “Children should be encouraged to stretch their imaginations.”

Vienna resident Joni Reardon said she brings her four children to the library all the time.

“This reading program gives them a strong foundation that will help them for the rest of their lives,” Reardon said.

The area was done by Applegate Furniture, Sharon Fence, Swing On! Playsets and Ultimate Landscaping.

Jan’s Corner will be available to the public beginning Tuesday, and will be open during regular library hours.