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After two years of careful planning, we've created an exciting vision for a new outdoor terrace at Reading Public Library. This idea was developed through teamwork between community members, town staff, and design experts.
We're now working with Activitas, a landscape engineering and design company, to make this vision real. The project is completely funded by private donations through the Reading Public Library Foundation.
The design adds a small program area that serves as both a patio and tiered seating built into the existing hillside. This smart approach uses the natural landscape, adds functionality, and creates a welcoming outdoor space everyone can enjoy.
April 2025 Update
May 2025 Update
June 2025 Update
The Board of Library Trustees formed a committee called the Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee (LLC) in 2023. The committee wanted to find ways to make the Library's outdoor area more usable and expand our mission "as a place for learning and civic engagement." The Library Terrace Project continues to improve the library's space and services, as envisioned in the 2016 renovation. The LLC is committed to using private (non-taxpayer) funds for any project they recommend to the Board. The Board of Library Trustees approved using $20,000 of gift funds to commission a conceptual/feasibility design with the landscape design company Activitas. Activitas conducted focus groups with neighbors and a community survey. The themes from this research showed the community's desire for additional seating, shade, native plantings, and accessible spaces, all of which will provide a space for gathering. In March 2024, Activitas presented a conceptual design to the LLC that had been reviewed by various town departments, including public safety, engineering, DPW, planning, and facilities. Currently, the Library holds children's programs, family concerts, and other special events outdoors. We also acknowledge that creating outdoor space enhances accessibility for all patrons, especially for the immunocompromised. The Board and LLC are excited to find ways to bring library users outside. They will use gifts, state aid, or outside fundraising to make improvements. The LLC voting members include community members, trustees, and RPL employees. The town manager, assistant town manager, director of economic development, community development director, and library director have also served on the committee in advisory and non-voting capacities as needed. Please email rdgadmin@noblenet.org if you have further questions about this project.
Library Landscape Meeting Agendas and Minutes (Town Website)