“They are open to all, they serve everyone”: A funding boost for renovations at London’s Sherwood Library Branch

The volunteer group Friends of London Public Library raises $100,000 dollars to a library renovation. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)

Major renovations at the London Public Library’s Sherwood Branch are in their final stages and the effort received significant financial boost Wednesday afternoon.

The Friends of the London Public Library announced a gift of $100,000 to support the transformation.

The donation helped create a new children’s area, including the Sherwood Workshop. The workshop is a wooden hutch filled with play tools and other toys.

The Sherwood Branch has been expanded, with more multi-purpose meeting rooms, a dedicated ‘Youth Room’, along with computer stations and laptop bars for studying.

Friends of Public Library is a volunteer led organization which has been conducting fundraising efforts since 1995.

Chair Carmen Sprovieri told CTV News that recent world events have only emphasised the need for libraries.

“Libraries are so important. They are really the backbone and the pillar of democracy. They are open to all. They serve everyone. Almost everything is free.”

Corrine Rahman is Ward 7 councillor, where the Sherwood Branch is centred.

She notes that the area continues to grow and become more diverse. She told those gathered for the funding announcement, “It’s the center point for so many in the community. I can tell you. I remember taking my kids when they were very little to their first story times here.”

Perhaps the biggest change brought about by the renovations is the branch entrance. Prior to the work being done, the entrance was through a long, dimly lit hallway.

The branch now has a large, open entrance that leads directly into Sherwood Forest Mall.

The renovated library had a soft launch at the beginning of September 5th, with a grand opening event scheduled for October 3rd.

London Public Library CEO Michael Ciccone said the renovations have already resulted in more activity in the branch, “This morning at about 11:30, while I was in a meeting, I got a text from Chelsea Abraham, the (branch) manager, who reported to me that every single seat in this branch was filled.”

Ciccone continued, “Use of the branch since the reopening has increased over 30 per cent since 2023, at the same time. And the attendance on Saturdays has doubled.”

The next major fundraising event for Friends of the London Public Library will be the Fall Giant Book Sale. That takes place on October 17, 18 and 19 at London’s Centennial Hall.