London Community Foundation partnered with Middlesex County Library in the Summer of 2025, inviting all branches to apply for funding to support their programming, upgrade underused spaces, and generally improve the experience of community members across Middlesex County at their local libraries.
All 15 branches applied and received grants of between $800 and $1,500 relative to the size of each library. The funds were used in a variety of ways, including purchasing play-and-learn kits that can be borrowed by families with young children, restocking the community pantry’s menstrual products and non-perishable food items, and supporting programming around truth and reconciliation. This variety reflects the important role libraries play in our society – particularly in rural communities, where programming is often less accessible than it is for those living in cities.
The branches in Ailsa Craig, Coldstream, Ilderton, and Newbury all used their grants to improve their community gardens, purchasing items such as raised beds, benches, picnic tables, outdoor storage, and rain barrels to create spaces that were more welcoming to community members whenever they want to access it.
“Ilderton Library Branch has a strong involvement with the community, especially with families of young and school-age children. By enhancing the outdoor space, we will provide another play space for families in the community that can be used outside of branch hours,” said Karen Donaldson, the branch manager at Ilderton Library, when applying for the grant.
The $1,500 grant received by the Ilderton branch was primarily used to purchase three raised beds growing fruit, vegetables and herbs to encourage children to interact with them. Some money was spent on outdoor toys for their play area which can be accessed outside of library hours, and a rain barrel with small watering cans to encourage children to water the plants.
“The outdoor space has been very busy with families utilizing the play area and garden. The water barrel has been a useful resource to keep our garden thriving. It has been wonderful to see so many families enjoying the beautiful outdoor space this summer both during busy Library open hours and when the Library is closed,” said Karen.
Following the release of London Community Foundation’s 2026-2030 strategic plan, the Foundation recognizes the need to grow our impact in the rural communities within Middlesex County and the neighbouring First Nations. We look forward to building more relationships with organizations in these communities who can help us turn the generosity of our donors and fundholders into action.
