As we put the Rotary Reading Garden to bed for the season, we are celebrating a recent donation from Lerners LLP in support of the Garden renovation project. The newly-renovated Rotary Reading Garden re-opened this fall, offering natural space downtown that is more accessible and better equipped to support the many activities that bring the Garden to life.
In appreciation of Lerners' support, London Public Library is providing recognition in the Writer's Meadow area of the Garden.
“I enjoyed my tour of the Garden; it’s a beautiful space,” said Jacob Damstra, partner and Chair of Lerners’ Environment & Sustainability Committee. “LPL has a lovely outdoor reading area and landscape architecture with a smooth, accessible design. Some trees have been there for years, and the Library has done an amazing job filling in the gardens with native species. It will look great when the plants start to bloom in season.”
Lerners believes that vibrant natural spaces are essential for communities to thrive. As part of its commitment to the environment, members of the firm’s London office have planted and maintain a pollinator garden, which is viewable from the staff lunchroom.
“We are so pleased to support a project for an outstanding community organization like London Public Library. It’s a great partnership for Lerners and a natural extension of our work through our Environment & Sustainability Committee,” said Damstra.
“For me to go and celebrate Lerners’ support for the Rotary Reading Garden was a nice personal connection, too. I grew up visiting the London Public Library, and my family has always spent a lot of time visiting our local branches. I know many of my colleagues have their own formative stories about the Library as well,” he said. “As lawyers, we spend so much time reading, researching, and writing so we know how important literacy is — the Library helps countless Londoners access and grow their own passion for literacy.”
“We are grateful to Lerners LLP for their leadership and commitment to our community,” said Michael Ciccone, London Public Library's CEO. “Their support has made it possible to renew the Rotary Reading Garden as a space that belongs to everyone: an inclusive place for families, children, and individuals from all walks of life to enjoy, learn, and connect.”
Photo: Jacob Damstra, partner and Chair of Lerners’ Environment & Sustainability Committee presents a cheque for $25,000 from Lerners LLP to support the renovation of the Rotary Reading Garden to Library representatives: Michael Ciccone, CEO and Chief Librarian; Nancy Collister, Director Customer Services & Branch Operations; and Elizabeth Sutter, Manager Customer Services & Branch Operations