The Reading Garden at Wood Library
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” — Cicero
Step Into Nature: Wood Library Opens New Reading Garden
Open House – July 26-27, 2025
A long-envisioned dream at Wood Library has blossomed into reality—and the community is invited to visit and explore it.
The new Reading Garden at Wood Library will open to visitors on July 26, 2025. Tucked just behind the library at 134 N Main St, Canandaigua, this beautiful outdoor space can be entered from the library itself, the street, or the parking lot.
As you stroll through the garden, you’ll discover a peaceful retreat designed for relaxation, reflection, and discovery. Whether you’re curling up with a good book, gathering with friends, or simply enjoying the fresh air, the Reading Garden offers something for everyone.
Award-winning architect and Farmington resident, Ted Liddell, designed the 2,000-square-foot oasis to echo the historic architecture of the library building. Highlights include a columned entrance, a welcoming pergola, a reading theater, a demonstration rain garden to inspire home gardeners, a Native American garden, shade gardens, and pollinator gardens buzzing with life. Free WiFi makes it easy to stay connected, and the smooth pathways are accessible to strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs.
“We hope people will think of the Reading Garden as an outdoor living room,” says Executive Director Jenny Goodemote. “It’s a comfortable space to spend time alone or with friends, read, or simply enjoy nature on a beautiful day.”
The Reading Garden is also designed to inspire learning and creativity. “We’re excited to use this space as an outdoor classroom for small group study and exploration,” Goodemote adds. “Every plant and nook in the garden has its own story. The garden lends itself to all kinds of engaging programs. We look forward to partnering with local organizations to offer workshops, storytimes, and more.”
The garden is open to the public seven days a week, and everyone is invited to visit during a special Open House on July 26–27, on Saturday from 10am-5pm and on Sunday from 1-4pm. Come take a stroll, discover all the hidden corners, and see firsthand how this unique space brings the library’s mission outdoors.
The project was made possible thanks to the generosity of hundreds of community members and organizations, along with grants from New York State, Ontario County, and private foundations. Collier’s Engineering and Design managed the project, and construction was completed by RM Landscape.
