When will work start on Wood Library's outdoor reading garden?
CANANDAIGUA, NY – Look outside and the thought of reading or discussing a book in the open air seems a long time coming.
But at Wood Library, after two years of discussions, work on an outdoor reading garden may happen sooner than you think.
According to Executive Director Jenny Goodemote, ground may be broken on the Canandaigua library’s proposed 2,000-square-foot outdoor area in August. The City Planning Commission, which signed off on conceptual plans in 2021, still needs to give the OK to final plans, which Goodemote is hopeful will be done by the time shovel meets dirt.
“By that time, we hope our fundraising is completed,” Goodemote said.
Goodemote is expecting patrons to begin enjoying the garden in 2024.
Why have an outdoor reading garden?
During the pandemic, library officials realized they sure could have used outdoor spaces for programs, which they didn’t have, forcing a switch to a lot of virtual programming until pandemic restrictions broke.
At the same time, focus groups were being held and surveys conducted because library officials were preparing a new strategic plan, and people indicated they want more outdoor spaces, Goodemote said.
At the time, two benches were available to sit and since then, a small picnic table was added.
“People want to check out a book or access our WiFi and sit outside and take in nature,” Goodemote said.
What’s planned for the garden?
Patrons will be able to use a columned entryway near the front of the building facing Main Street to enter the garden, which will be on the north side of the building. A door connected to the children’s library also will lead outside.
“You can come get a cup of coffee, grab a book and read outside,” Goodemote said.
Library programs for small groups – think the library's teen theater, tai chi classes and book discussion gatherings -- will be planned as space will be limited.
So not exactly an amphitheater but a reading theater is planned.
Excitement is growing among staff for upcoming classes and events, but Goodemote is envisioning a lot of sustainable programming, and Native-American interpretive and bee pollinator gardens, for example.
Such programming opens the library to new partnerships in the community to build on existing relationships.
“There’s just so much out there and so many willing participants to help us to create quality programming here,” Goodemote said.
Outdoor programming will require registration so library staff can control how many people are outside. The reading garden’s planned hardscaping – pathways, pergolas and patio, for example -- is driving a lot of the cost but also opening the library to more people.
“We’re very firm on making this garden accessible to all,” Goodemote said. “Whether you’re in a wheelchair or a walker or you’re pushing a stroller, you will have access to the garden.”
Who’s paying for it?
The library was successful in obtaining a construction grant available only to libraries. The project cost is about $500,000; the grant was approximately $173,000.
The library continues to actively fundraise, Goodemote said, and currently, donations have exceeded the $400,000 mark.
Naming opportunities are available. Information about contributing to the project is available at woodlibrary.org or by calling 585-394-1381.
“We’re very pleased,” Goodemote said. “It just shows that the community is behind us on this project and we want to see it happen.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: When will work start on Wood Library's reading garden in Canandaigua?
