INITIAL CONCEPT DESIGN 2024

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 Landscape Project continues to improve the library’s space and services, as envisioned in the 2016 renovation. The LLC is committed to using private (non-taxpaper) funds for any project they recommend to the Board.

The Board of Library Trustees approved a $20,000 for a conceptual/feasibility design with Activitas. Activitas conducted focus groups with neighbors and a community survey.  Themes from this research showed the 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. 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, Director of Economic Development, Community Development Director, and Library Director also serve on the committee in an advisory and non-voting capacity.

Please email rdgadmin@noblenet.org if you have further questions about this project.

Timeline:

• • January 9, 2023: Committee established with an anticipated sunset date of twenty-four months from the first meeting.
  • February 16, 2023: First meeting of the Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee (LLC)
  • June 12, 2023: The LLC presented to the Board of Library Trustees with the recommendation to engage a designer for a formal feasibility study.
  • September 11, 2023: The Board of Library Trustees voted to allow the Town Manager to enter into a feasibility and conceptual design contract with Activitas, a Landscape Architecture and Civil Engineering firm that has been working with the Town for the past six years.
  • November 9, 2023: Activitas and the Reading Public Library host a neighborhood listening session to get feedback and ideas from nearby residents.
  • March 20, 2024: Activitas presents the initial design concept.

Library Landscape Meeting Agendas and Minute (Town Website)

May 13, 2024: LLC Presentation to Board of Trustees

• • Presentation
  • Meeting Recording

June 12, 2023: LLC Presentation to Board of Library Trustees

• • Presentation
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Meeting Recording

September 11, 2023: Authorization of Activitas Proposal

• • Board Packet with Proposal
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Meeting Recording

November 9, 2023: Neighborhood Listening Session

• • Presentation
  • Meeting Minutes
  • Meeting Recording