Sink into a comfortable chair and let the sights and sounds of nature or a free concert by local musicians transport you. The Rotary Reading Garden at Central Library has been a favourite destination for Londoners for more than 20 years.
We have made some exciting improvements to the Rotary Reading Garden! Scroll down to learn more about the new additions and how you can support this important project for London.
Visit the Garden whenever Central Library is open. The Garden closes one hour before dusk.
The Rotary Reading Garden provides a stunning backdrop for many events.
In the fall of 2025, the renovated Rotary Reading Garden was unveiled, featuring improvements designed to make the Garden more accessible and better equipped to support the many activities that bring the Garden to life!
Improvements Include:
Regrading and installing a new secure fence with a lockable gate
Installing an accessible ramp
Renewal of the garden landscape and landscaping
Lighting and electrical upgrades
Jim Vafiades, Landscape Architect, who originally designed the Rotary Reading Garden, returned for this project. Planting guidance has been provided by Murray Hunter of the Julia Hunter Foundation.
We are grateful to Library donors for supporting this key project.
To create a more inclusive and accessible shared space
To better support community access and free programs for children and families
To act as a gateway to Dundas Place and direct access into the Rotary Reading Garden
To directly support events being hosted on the Dundas Place flex street
To make London stronger and more vibrant
A gate and accessible ramp will be built at the North end of the Rotary Reading Garden, opening the Garden up to Dundas Place for events.
Colourful and durable musical instruments will be installed in the Children’s Play Area of the Rotary Reading Garden.
The Children's Play Are will also include a new ground surface material as well as outdoor musical instruments.
To better support musical and other performances, the pergola will be moved to the upper (South) section of the Rotary Reading Garden. A stage area will be created with a synthetic surface in front of the stage.
A look at the new plan for the Rotary Reading Garden, as seen from above.
Originally the site of a parking lot, the Rotary Reading Garden opened in 2003, closely following the opening of the new Central Library in 2002. Many thanks to the Rotary Club of London for the leadership and ongoing support as a founding donor.
We are grateful that we've received partial funding support from the City of London for this project.
We are reaching out to the community to raise the remaining funds needed for this important project.
By making a donation, you can help support the Reading Garden Renovation and help provide a welcoming, accessible space for everyone . You can be a part of this project. Every donation will make a difference.
Interested in learning more about how you can support the Rotary Reading Garden renovation? Please reach out to Christine Walker.
Christine Walker
Fund Development & Special Projects
London Public Library
519-661-5114
christine.walker@lpl.ca
