Rooted in Reading

Books

• • Sustainability
  • Climate Change
  • Native Plants
  • Pollinators
  • Organic Gardening

Library of Things

• • Bird Song Identifier
  • Bushnell Binoculars
  • Earth Day Backpack for Kit for Kids (10 books)
  • Gardening Backpack Kit for Kids (10 books)
  • Kids’ All About Trees Kit
  • Kids’ Gardening Kit
  • Kids’ Insect ID Kit
  • RMLD Home Energy Evaluation Kit
  • Soil Tester

Streaming

Login with your RPL card to find more books, movies, and shows on your favorite subjects.

• • Climate of Change (hoopla)
  • Great Courses: How to Grow Anything (Kanopy)
  • Great Courses: The Science of Gardening (Kanopy)
  • Master Class Presents Ron Finley Teaches Gardening (hoopla)
  • Tomorrow: Grassroots Solutions to Human Extinction (Kanopy)

Databases

• Consumer Reports: Looking for a leaf blower or solar lights for your backyard? Use Consumer Reports to see trusted reviews and recommendations.
• Science in Context: All things science with over 141 topics focused on Earth and Environmental Science.
• Environmental Studies: Browse hundreds of pages covering a variety of environmental issues with articles, real-world examples, numbers, and pictures from trusted sources around the world.

Museum Passes

Get free or discounted admission to museums, gardens, and outdoor spaces at the Reading Public Library. Visit these local attractions to explore science and nature, learn gardening tips, or simply enjoy Massachusetts’ beautiful outdoor areas.  Reserve your pass today!

• • Ecotarium
  • Garden in the Woods (Seasonal)
  • Mass Audubon
  • Massachusetts State Parks
  • Museum of Science
  • New England Aquarium (Seasonal)
  • Trustees of Reservations
  • Zoo New England

What is a Sensory Garden?

• As part of our Rooted in Reading grant, RPL has installed an example sensory garden.  This small area highlights different ways to experience a garden and helps people connect with nature and become more aware of their surroundings.
• A sensory garden stimulates your senses—in this case, sight, smell, sound, and touch. The goal of a sensory garden is to encourage visitors to interact with the garden and experience it with all their senses. Example plants include perennial herbs such as oregano, thyme, and sage (smell). Other plants include Sweet Fern, which changes color in the fall (smell, sight, and touch), Lamb’s Ear (touch), and Lavender (smell). You can add chimes (sound), a solar fountain (sound), and bright seasonal blooms (sight) throughout the year.

Native Plants for Pollinators and Birds

• Native plants are a critical part of the food chain and strengthen the local ecosystem. In addition to providing food and places for birds to rest and shelter, native plants support pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds because non-native plants may not provide enough nectar or pollen. Example plants include: Fragrant Sumac, Mountain Mint, Golden Rod, Bluestem grass, and Swamp Milkweed.
• Use  RPL’s  pass to “Garden in the Woods,” one of the Native Plant Trust’s eight properties in New England to learn more.

Why Indoor Plants?

• Indoor plants do more than look pretty – they’re good for your health and happiness! Having plants inside helps clean the air you breathe by removing harmful chemicals and turning carbon dioxide into oxygen. When plants are around, you’ll likely feel more relaxed and in a better mood. They can even help you focus better at work or while studying.
• Plants make any room look better and more welcoming. Research shows that people who work in spaces with plants are more creative and get more done. So whether you’re at home, work, or school, adding some green plants to your space can make a real difference in how you feel and how well you can concentrate.

RPL Plant Lab …and more

The RPL Plant Lab is a year-round series that helps kids in grades 3-5 discover the joy of gardening. Students learn to grow food from seed to harvest on our second-floor patio. In summer, they turn their fresh produce into healthy snacks. Winter activities include caring for house plants, nature journaling, and planning spring gardens.

Rooted in Reading expands the RPL Plant Lab to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities. New accessible raised beds and updated seating make our patio space more inclusive for everyone to enjoy gardening and outdoor activities.

What’s a Seed Library?

Our Seed Library offers free seeds to the community while accepting donations from local gardeners. We focus on fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers that thrive in Reading and support both people and wildlife. The Seed Library program makes gardening accessible to beginners and helps experienced gardeners share successful varieties with neighbors – promoting health, wellness, and community connection.

Rooted in Reading expands and showcases this wonderful, improving access to fresh produce and curating collections of locally adapted varietals.

Become a “Busy Bee”!

• Join our community of plant lovers and help bring RPL’s gardens to life! Whether you have a green thumb or are just starting out, there’s a perfect spot for you in our gardening family.
• Want to dip your toes in? Sign up for occasional watering shifts. Ready to dig deeper? Jump in with our seasonal clean-ups and summer gardening adventures. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age, ability, or experience!
• The best part? You’ll connect with fellow nature enthusiasts at our regular meet-ups and workshops. Share tips, learn new skills, and be part of a growing community passionate about nature, health, and sustainability. Come grow with us!

Submitting the Busy Bee volunteer form adds you to our mailing list to learn about volunteer opportunities and receive invites to meet-ups and hands-on programs. No experience is necessary; individuals and families are welcome!