HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-19 ad Hoc - Library Landscape Committee Minutes� Or HtyQi
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�" Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Date: 2024-12-19
Building: Virtual
Address:
Purpose: General Meeting
Attendees: Members - Present:
RECEIVED
By Town Clerk GP at 4:08 pm, Apr 01, 2025
Ad Hoc Library Landscape Committee
rime: 7:00 PM
Location: Zoom
Session: Open Session
Version: Final
Desinie Zlcko, Chair (remote); Cheme Dubois, Vice -Chair; Jake Soucy,
Secretary (remote); Elaine Stone (remote);
Members - Not Present:
Andrea Hogan; Cappy Popp
Others Present:
Amy Lannon, Library Director;
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jake Soucy, Secretary
Topics of Discussion:
I. Call to Order 7:00 p.m.
II. Public Comment
No public comments were made.
III. Review and Discuss project names and promotional framing
The Committee continued their discussion of project names from the last
meeting. To honor the historic Highland School site, the possibility of the
"Highland Arts and Flowers Terrace" was discussed. The "terrace" option
remains popular, as the terrace is the heart of the project. Options involving
"stories" and "decks" were also presented.
Possible naming rights to the terrace could be granted to an organization or
donor contributing to the project. Naming opportunities for the stage and other
key project elements could also be offered. The Committee agreed to refer to the
library landscape project as "the library terrace" going forward.
IV. Review and discuss promotional slide deck for January presentations to
Board of Library Trustees and Friends of Reading Public Library
The Committee reviewed a draft of an informational PowerPoint presentation
about the project in detail. The title slide was renamed to "Library Terrace
Proposar. Outdoor space was emphasized on the background slide. The
language was also revised regarding improving accessibility and alignment with
community goals.
Checkboxes on the challenge slide would better clarify project progress. Funding
for the project needs to be further explored. The word cloud infographic
developed from the Activitas survey was added to the information gathering slide
to emphasize project priorities. Information sources were also clarified.
Formatting changes were made to the meaningful solutions slide.
The outcome slide further emphasizes accessibility and shade. The wording was
carefully revised to clarify and simplify the Committee's recommendations for
patio and program space and sustainable, low -impact maintenance. Inspiration
photos demonstrate the potential for tiered seating, shaded areas, native
plantings, and a historic Highland School sink fountain.
Formatting on the next steps slide was updated to reflect consistency with the
rest of the presentation. Naming rights may be a potential fundraising
opportunity. A detailed list of nameable elements will be developed. At least
$350,000 of private funding will eventually need to be sought and secured.
V. Discussion of Future Meeting Schedule
The Committee hopes to present to the Board of Library Trustees, the Reading
Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Reading Public Library in
January. Ms. Lannon would like to attend these formal presentations and
meetings with potential major donors. Direct gifts to the Library can be accepted
through an established gardening gift account.
The Committee will not formally meet in January to allow for promotional
presentations to take place. The next meetings will tentatively be held on
Thursday, February 20r, and Thursday, March 20'h.
VI. Approval of November 21, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Motion: To approve the minutes of the November 21, 2024, Ad Hoc Library
Landscape Committee Meeting as presented.
(Dubois /Zicko)
Vote: Approved 4-0
VII. Future Agenda Items and Action Items
Flyers, brochures, bookmarks, or other promotional handouts may be developed
with a DR code linking to the project page on the Library website to accompany
January promotional presentations.
Vill. Adjournment
Motion: To Adjourn at 8:12 p.m.
(Stone / Soucy)
Vote: Approved 4-0
Res/ke Sopectfully Sub ad,
9 y 7,`�--
ucy, Secretary
Page 12
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AD HOC LIBRARY LANDSCAPE
COMMITTEE
To explore functional, mission -driven improvements
that continue the vision of the 20 76 renovation.
Create an outdoor space that...
• aligns with community goals (e.g., Green Communities)
• aligns with Library mission and values (Education,
Access, Equity, Accountability)
• provides versatile program space
• improves accessibility for all
• does not impact the town budget or taxpayers
OWhat will benefit the community?
®What will enhance the neighborhood?
OWho visits the library grounds and why?
What is a better use of these areas?
What is possible?
How to fund this project?
INFORMATION GATHERING Lighting
GardensFa=paee
ccessibility
NativempIanti ngs
• Landscape designer .err�e�e
AGathering areas
• Public listeningSeSSIOnS Green space
Sea ing .With tables
Seati
k"duled ntsNeighborhood input
• Community survey
• Town staff (Town Manager, DPW, C �09°ryE1B Pe
Planning, Facilities) J F,ar's=ay
Farmer's market
MEANINGFUL SOLUTIONS
Flexible patio/program space
2. Dedicated seating for 30 people
3. More shade
4. Native plants
5. Easy maintenance (e.g., access to
water)
Dedicated outdoor space for learning &
engagement
• Accessible shaded performance area for outdoor
storytimes and events for all ages
Interactive and educational gardens
Focus on sustainability and native plants for easy
maintenance
Gathering spaces for small groups
• Additional tables and seating for groups of 3-6
• Welcoming and safe place to meet
1. Patio/Program space
a. Shaded performance area
tplp
ems. r I b. Tiered hillside seating for 30-40
c. Native, beneficial plantings and
landscaping
d. Historic Highland School basin
pop
and pedestal as a water feature
RECOMMENDATIONS
SEATNG (d0 40 SEATING CAPACITY)
16 Y 16UNIT PAVER STAGE
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INSPIRATION
INSPIRATION
Approval from Board of Library Trustees and
support from stakeholders on these
recommendations
• Patio/Program space
• Plantings, water access, and maintenance
Seek and secure at least $350,000 of private
funds
• Promote and market to donors
• Explore other fundraising opportunities (e.g.,
naming rights)
Work with the town staff on a detailed RFP
Thank you