2026-2036
London Public Library (LPL) is currently working on a 10-year Master Plan that will determine library space needs that will best serve the growing and evolving London community.
Known as the Facilities Master Plan (FMP), this roadmap will guide how LPL makes responsible, strategic investments to improve the quality of life for Londoners through existing and potentially new library spaces to the year 2036. This Plan's scope is focused on physical space and does not delve into operational matters such as hours of operation, staffing or policy.
Project Timeline
- Research
- Consultation
- Analysis
- Draft FMP
- Commenting Period
- Final FMP
Consultation
An important of this planning process is consultation. Through the month of November, 2025, we reached out into the community to hear from current Library patrons and those who do not currently spend time at the Library. A survey was available online and at Library branches and was promoted widely through the community and online. As well, Facilities Master Plan Open Houses were held at six Library branches across the City and at different times of the day. City Council, City staff, community partners and Library staff were also consulted.
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3,124 surveys were completed by Londoners in November.
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200 Londoners attended an in person Open House in November.
What We Heard
This ‘What We Heard’ Report, prepared for London Public Library by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants and Cornerstone Architecture, is a snapshot of the feedback gathered from the public during the initial stages of the Facilities Master Plan development.
People shared what they love about, and what they would like to see more of in LPL’s spaces.
This input will help ensure that the Facilities Master Plan reflects the value of the community.
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Common Themes
Libraries are Essential to Londoners
With thousands of people taking the time to provide feedback for the FMP, it is clear that LPL is important to Londoners. People indicate that they rely on library branches for many reasons including participating in programs, employment and newcomer resources, access technology, study, meet with friends, and much more. People describe libraries as being welcoming, safe, and inclusive for all.
A Valued Third Space
People use libraries as “third spaces” outside of home, school and work where they benefit from publicly accessible space. Third spaces can also be described as the “community’s living room” where residents can connect socially or use libraries in a way that they cannot at home, especially those that may live in apartments or condos and thus rely on the public realm for personal needs.
Central Library
Where some people expressed challenges indicative of downtown London as a whole (such as homelessness, addiction, mental health), others see the Central Library as a safe space, economic incubator, a place for the arts, and as a “community centre” in the absence of such a facility in the core. People pointed to Canadian cities (often Calgary, Halifax and Kitchener) that invested in their libraries as part of downtown revitalization, placemaking and economic development strategies.
Importance & Growing Expectations
Library users emphasized the importance of borrowing physical and digital materials, alongside programs for all ages. There are growing expectations for flexible and multi-functional spaces, quiet study areas, technology and makerspace equipment, extended hours, comfortable seating, outdoor spaces, and a desire for cafes/coffee shops in libraries.
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Survey Findings
- Half of respondents visit LPL in person, and 43% use library branches and/or services at least once a week. 43% visited the Central Library and 32% accessed LPL’s digital resources.
- Borrowing materials (79%) is the most popular activity when visiting a library, followed by picking up holds (67%) and browsing the collection (62%).
- Being able to borrow books and physical items is most important to people, followed by borrowing
- eAudiobooks and eBooks, and the customer service provided by Library Staff.
- One out of three people would like cafés in libraries followed by reading gardens, having comfortable seating, and integrating more public art into branches (20%).
Other themes we heard were:
- Longer library hours
- Technology / Makerspace equipment
- Comfortable and quiet spaces
- More books
- Adequate and safe parking
Next Steps
The feedback gathered through the community will play a key role in shaping LPL’s Facilities Master Plan to reflect what matters most to the community. The findings conveyed in the What We Heard Report are a high-level overview of the feedback gathered. The in-depth insights we received from the community have been reviewed thoroughly and will be considered as we move into assessing LPL’s space needs and drafting recommendations.
Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback so far! We will engage once again through a public commenting opportunity when the draft Library Facilities Master Plan is available here on the Library's website.
2027-2030 Strategic Planning Survey
Using the Survey link below, please share with us your thoughts about London Public Library's services, programs, spaces, collections and resources.
Your feedback will help our Library Board and Staff as they develop the Library's 2027-2030 Strategic Plan.