An overgrown space behind Golders Green Library is set to be transformed into a welcoming garden for residents. Barnet Council has secured over £85,000 from Arts Council England to revitalise this previously inaccessible area and create a sensory reading garden.
The project will introduce step-free access from the library’s rear, along with outdoor seating and shaded areas for quiet reading. Additionally, the garden will serve as a venue for outdoor activities, with a focus on sustainability and environmental education.
Planters and raised beds will be installed for seed planting and gardening workshops, featuring sensory and insect-friendly plants to promote biodiversity.
The garden’s design and management will involve local partners, strengthening ties between the library and the community, and encouraging greater use by groups less likely to visit the library. The project also aims to boost engagement with local schools and increase volunteer participation at the library.
Cllr Anne Clarke, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Sports, said: “Our libraries are among our most cherished local assets, and we want to ensure they are attractive and welcoming spaces for all members of the community.
“This funding will create an accessible space for quiet reading and creative activities, encouraging more local residents and groups to make use of the library.
“As we continue to focus on improving our local environment, the new garden will enhance biodiversity by providing a habitat for plants, insects and other wildlife.”
Helen Newman, Chief Executive of Age UK Barnet, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the new reading garden project at Golders Green Library. At Age UK Barnet, we understand the profound impact that accessible and welcoming community spaces have on the wellbeing of older people.
“This reading garden will provide a calm environment where our older residents can engage in the joys of reading, connect with nature, and interact with others in a safe and peaceful setting.”
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