London Mechanics’ Institute was one of a series of Mechanic's Institutes that were set up around the world after becoming popular in Britain.
It housed a subscription library that allowed members who paid a fee to borrow books.
The Mechanic's Institutes libraries eventually became public libraries when the establishment of free libraries occurred.

The London Public Library opened in November 1896.
The present-day Central Library was built in a remodeled space that formerly housed a Hudson's Bay outlet.
The Central library opened in this location on August 25, 2002.
This not only allowed for an economical expansion of the branch, but also offered the library a more central location in the city's downtown core.
Additional outside donations enabled the construction of the Wolf Performance Hall, a concert hall which hosts music and theatre performances.
The Central Library is also home to the Reading Garden which is equipped with seating and multiple water features.

From 2016 to 2017, the Central Branch was extensively renovated, its first major overhaul since it moved into CitiPlaza.
As part of this renovation, a portion of the branch's northern section was remodeled to become CBC Radio One's CBCL-FM's new broadcast studio for new local and regional programming such as London Morning and Afternoon Drive and as well as digital content.

Susanna Hubbard Krimmer is currently the 11th CEO of the London Public Library and only the second woman to hold that position.
London Mechanics’ Institute was one of a series of Mechanic's Institutes that were set up around the world after becoming popular in Britain. It housed a subscription library that allowed members who paid a fee to borrow books. The Mechanic's Institutes libraries eventually became public libraries when the establishment of free libraries occurred.
The London Public Library opened in November 1896. The present-day Central Library was built in a remodeled space that formerly housed a Hudson's Bay outlet. The Central library opened in this location on August 25, 2002. This not only allowed for an economical expansion of the branch, but also offered the library a more central location in the city's downtown core. Additional outside donations enabled the construction of the Wolf Performance Hall, a concert hall which hosts music and theatre performances. The Central Library is also home to the Reading Garden which is equipped with seating and multiple water features.
From 2016 to 2017, the Central Branch was extensively renovated, its first major overhaul since it moved into CitiPlaza. As part of this renovation, a portion of the branch's northern section was remodeled to become CBC Radio One's CBCL-FM's new broadcast studio for new local and regional programming such as London Morning and Afternoon Drive and as well as digital content.
Susanna Hubbard Krimmer is currently the 11th CEO of the London Public Library and only the second woman to hold that position.
London Public Library