Lerners Supports Improvements to London Public Library’s Rotary Reading Garden
Nov 7, 2025
Lerners has donated $25,000 to London Public Library (LPL) in support of its renovations to the Rotary Reading Garden. Originally the site of a parking lot, the Rotary Reading Garden opened in 2003, following the opening of the new Central Library in 2002.
The library has initiated several improvements to the Rotary Reading Garden to enhance accessibility and better support “the many activities that bring the Garden to life.”
In appreciation of the firm's support, London Public Library is providing recognition in the Writer's Meadow (within the Garden).
Jacob Damstra, partner and Chair of Lerners’ Environment & Sustainability Committee, visited the Garden to present the cheque on October 25. In attendance from London Public Library were Michael Ciccone, CEO and Chief Librarian; Nancy Collister, Director Customer Services & Branch Operations; and Elizabeth Sutter, Manager Customer Services & Branch Operations.
“I enjoyed my tour of the Garden; it’s a beautiful space,” said Damstra. “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. “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.”
ABOUT LERNERS LLP
Lerners LLP has grown to become one of Ontario’s largest law firms with offices in London, Toronto, Strathroy, and Waterloo Region. Ours is a history of more than 95 years of successful client service and representation, and today we are more than 140 exceptionally skilled lawyers with extensive experience in litigation and corporate law.
