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Reading Public Library was awarded a one-year federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) direct grant by the the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). Centered in nature, health, and sustainability, this grant will expand related education and gardening spaces at the RPL.
The grant is also a collaboration across the community around matters our community cares about. Some of our many partners include:
The grant aims to transform Reading Public Library into a vibrant hub for intergenerational and inclusive education on nature, health and sustainability.
RPL is seeking wildlife habitat certification to highlight our support of birds and pollinators with native plants. Essential for the food chain, native plants also improve the local ecosystem by providing food and shelter for birds and help pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Non-native plants often don't have enough nectar or pollen. Good examples of native plants in our garden include Shrubby St. John’s Wort, Mountain Mint, Goldenrod, Bluestem grass, and Swamp Milkweed.
Official Recognition and Certification: The National Wildlife Federation certifies gardens as a wildlife habitats. You can show your commitment to conservation, as well! There is an easy checklist to follow to ensure your space meets specific habitat needs and a small fee to process your certification. Visit the National Wildlife Federation website for more details on how to create a habitat garden.
Environmental Impact: Your habitat garden becomes part of a larger network of wildlife corridors and habitats. Even small backyard habitats connect fragmented natural areas, allowing animals to move safely between larger patches. These connections provide important food, water, shelter, and nesting spots for wildlife. This is especially important in urban and suburban areas where natural spaces are scarce. Habitat loss is a major threat to wildlife. Every wildlife habitat garden helps address this problem.
Educational Value: The designation process teaches you about native plants, wildlife needs, and local ecosystems. You'll learn which plants attract specific birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. This knowledge helps you make better gardening choices and understand your role in the local environment.
Community Leadership: RPL aims to inspire neighbors and friends to create their own wildlife-friendly spaces. Many people don't realize how easy it is to support wildlife in their yards. Your example can spark positive changes throughout your neighborhood.
Learn More: Be sure to check out RPL's pass for "Garden in the Woods," one of eight Native Plant Trust properties in New England where you can learn more about these topics. Other resources include:
Visit RPL's sample sensory garden area. Sensory gardens highlight different ways to experience a garden and help connect you with nature and your surroundings. These spaces share nature's healing power with everyone, regardless of their abilities.
What is a Sensory Garden? A sensory garden stimulates your senses: sight, smell, sound, and touch. The goal is to encourage visitors to interact with the garden. Example plants include herbs like lavender, oregano, and thyme for smell. Sweet Fern and Red Twig Dogwood change color in the fall and winter. Lamb's Ear is soft and safe to touch. These gardens may have wind chimes, water features, or tall grasses to create sound. Gardeners can add bright blooms throughout the year for visual pleasure.
Health and Healing Benefits: Spending time in nature cuts stress, lowers blood pressure, and improves our well-being. Sensory gardens enhance these benefits by engaging multiple senses. They help people with disabilities, autism, or sensory processing problems. The blend of textures, smells, sounds, and colors can ease worry. It can also boost mood and offer calming experiences. For people with memory loss gardens may spark good memories and keep minds active.
Great for Learning: These gardens are wonderful for learning about nature. You can explore with your senses and enjoy hands-on activities. Kids especially love touching plants, smelling flowers, and hearing garden sounds. This hands-on experience helps them learn in various ways and understand nature better.
Everyone Can Enjoy Them: Full-size sensory gardens are designed for people of all abilities. They often have raised plant beds, wide paths, and plants chosen for their textures or pleasant smells. This design allows people who can’t see well, use wheelchairs, or have other needs to enjoy the garden fully.
Building Community: These spaces bring together people of all ages and abilities. Sensory gardens work well in hospitals, schools, and care facilities. They help people make friends and build community ties.
Learn More:
Join Reading Public Library's very own garden club! This free club welcomes everyone, regardless of experience or time availability. All you need is curiosity about gardens and nature. We meet about six times per year and volunteers help water, weed, and maintain our lovely garden areas.
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.
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.
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 collection, improving access to fresh produce and curating collections of locally adapted varietals.
Rooted in Reading is made possible by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Additional support is provided by the Friends of the Reading Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation.
