At its February 19 meeting, the London Public Library Board received a powerful reminder of what community looks like in action.
Carmen Sprovieri, Friends of the London Public Library President. joined by members of the Friends Executive, presented the Library with a generous gift of $100,000 at the February meeting of the Library Board. This gift will support value-added Library programs and services delivered in 2026, including vital early literacy initiatives for children and families across London.
Behind that number is something even more meaningful.
In her remarks, Carmen reflected on the 200+ volunteers who make up the Friends organization. These community members sort and sell books at their Annual Book Sale, staff the Friends Book Store at Central Library, host outdoor Pop-Up Sales at Covent Garden Market, and keep the Friends organization running smoothly.
When I ask them why they volunteer,” Carmen shared, “I hear that they are people who value the public library a great deal. To them, the public library is really a vital institution in their community. They believe in the Library and they are giving their time and talent to work for it.
She spoke about what makes a public library unique. “Where else can you say that you are a place that welcomes all? And I mean all. From babies to people who are shut in, no matter your creed, your background, your colour, your age, you are welcome in a public library.”
Carmen also highlighted the Library’s essential role in a democratic society. “It provides essential services and essential information. It offers every kind of material and tries to give all sides of an issue. That kind of information is so important in a democratic society. One of the pillars of democratic society is a free public library. Sometimes people take this for granted, but it is vital for our community.
Mentioning a recent study by the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, Carmen emphasized that this new research reinforces what the Friends volunteers already know.
Libraries deliver substantial social, emotional, intellectual, and creative impact. They are recognized as vital institutions for children growing up, for ensuring unbiased access to information, and for providing some of the most valuable resources a city can offer its community.
“For all these reasons, I am so pleased to be able to give this money to you,” Carmen concluded.
Supporting Family Literacy Across London
This gift from the Friends will support important initiatives across the Library’s 16 neighbourhood locations in 2026, particularly through the summer months when many London families rely on the Library’s programs, including the READ program for struggling young readers. These programs foster a lifelong love of reading, help build skills and confidence, and provide an essential learning bridge through the summer months.
Funding will also support healthy snack programs and other programs and initiatives for children and youth as well as the popular Jazz for the People monthly concert series at the Library’s Wolf Performance Hall.
Together, these value-added programs reflect what the Library is all about. Welcoming spaces. Meaningful learning. Literacy development. Opportunities to connect.
More Than $2.38 Million Raised Since 1993
In recognition of their crucial, ongoing support, London Public Library has unveiled a plaque honouring the work of the Friends of the London Public Library, who, with this recent gift, have now raised more than $2.38 million since their founding in 1993. This plaque is located outside of the Board Room named for the Friends on the 3rd floor of Central Library.
$2,38 million is an impressive milestone. But as Carmen’s remarks made clear, the importance is not just about dollars raised. It is about volunteers who believe deeply in the power of a public library and who show up year after year to ensure that everyone, at every age and stage, has access to information, opportunity, and belonging.
London Public Library is deeply grateful for the continued and generous support of the Friends of London Public Library. The longstanding commitment of the Friends ensures that we can continue to work together to offer meaningful, value-added programs and services that have a positive impact in our community.