Laura L. Luteri was exceptionally active within her community and had a deep connection to libraries, and the Mount Prospect Public Library celebrated her lifelong commitment with a memorial garden dedication on August 30. 

The ceremony included the placement of two sculptures within the garden by Luteri’s daughter Donna, honoring the pet skunk, Stinky, Laura had as a child. Spending the early part of her childhood on a farm in Ohio, Laura’s family had a colorful menagerie of pets which fostered her love of animals. 

“Laura would tell everyone that she had a ‘black thumb’ when it came to plants, so it is especially fitting that the library would fill the garden with low-maintenance native plants that are adapted to our climate, providing beautiful color and food for pollinators and other animals,” said Pat Klawitter, President of the Friends of the Mount Prospect Public Library. 

The garden is located on the northeast corner of the building, near the Peace sculpture. Within the space are benches for visitors to sit and enjoy. A small plaque identifies the garden along with a silhouette of a cat, another one of Luteri’s beloved pets. 

Laura Luteri began volunteering at the library in 1980 in the children’s department. This role flourished into a forty-year time span spent in different capacities; as an elected board trustee, founding member of the Mount Prospect Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Library board member, and creator and moderator of the long running Friends of the Library book discussion group.  

“Laura leaves a legacy at the library, one that our community will benefit from for years to come,” said Su Reynders, Executive Director.  “Her countless hours of volunteer service have helped shape the vibrant space it is today.”