The Cleveland Public Library’s main downtown branch consists of two buildings; between them lies the Eastman Reading Garden. You enter the Garden at either end through beautifully wrought bronze gates; at its midpoint, to one side, is an L-shaped fountain and reflecting pool. The title of this work, “Reading A Garden”, can only be read correctly if seen as a reflection in the water.
It was created by Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. That work, too, with its 58,272 names engraved on highly polished marble, was designed to provide a reflection, connecting the viewer with those who sacrificed their lives in that conflict.