Rotary Reading Garden

A beautiful oasis in downtown London!

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 are making 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.

The Garden is currently closed for construction, which is scheduled to be completed this fall.

The Rotary Reading Garden provides a stunning backdrop for many events.

We’re renovating the Rotary Reading Garden!

With the Rotary Reading Garden turning 22 this fall, we have embarked on a series of improvements designed to make the Garden more accessible and better equipped to support the many activities that bring the Garden to life!

Improvements Include:

Providing access to the Rotary Reading Garden directly from Dundas Place
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.

Mother and baby sit at table in the Reading Garden doing crafts.

Why this renovation is needed

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

The Garden is a vital piece of social infrastructure

Enhances cultural vibrancy along Dundas Place flex street

Provides rare green space for urban residents, especially those in apartments

Improves access for both children and adults

Draws visitors to downtown core

Encourages community interaction, a sense of belonging

Hosts a wide range of programming – literacy programs, cultural events, music, festivals, along with free Wi-Fi

Installation of the gate and accessible ramp at Dundas Place

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.

Children and Adults playing with musical instruments in the Reading Garden

Colourful and durable musical instruments will be installed in the Children’s Play Area of the Rotary Reading Garden.

Install outdoor musical instruments in the Children’s Play Area and install ground surface material.

The Children's Play Are will also include a new ground surface material as well as outdoor musical instruments.

Move the pergola to the upper section of the Reading Garden. Create a stage area for performances and programs. Install an artificial surface in front of the stage.

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.

Future Programming Ideas

• Musical concerts and events (support UNESCO City of Music designation)

• Outdoor physical activity programs (yoga, tai chi, etc.)

• Family story times, story walks

• Outdoor movies

• Art shows, performing arts

Rental, third party events and other revenue generating opportunities

Cars parked in a parking lot on the site of what is now the Reading Garden. In the background is a sign for the Galleria Mall.

From Parking Lot to Park

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.

Support the Garden

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.

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