We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Ontario Government! Today, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming announced a funding increase to the Internet Connectivity Grant program, ensuring that all First Nation Public Libraries and additional rural libraries will now receive full reimbursement for the costs of providing public internet access.
This is a major step forward in bridging the digital divide across Ontario. With this investment, communities in rural, northern, and First Nations regions will continue to have access to free, reliable broadband internet at their local library—opening the door to education, job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and stronger community connections.
As Minister Stan Cho noted in the announcement: “Public libraries are a vital hub in any community that connects people to learning, culture and one another.” FOPL is proud to have been a strong advocate for this funding, and we applaud the government’s recognition of the critical role libraries play in ensuring equitable access to digital services.
This expansion of the Internet Connectivity Grant builds on recent investments in the sector, including increases for First Nations Public Libraries to the Public Library Operating Grant (PLOG) and First Nation Salary Supplement (FNSS). Together, these supports reinforce the essential contributions of libraries to Ontario’s economic, cultural, and social fabric. This new increase is also an important step towards our goal of a funded Ontario Digital Public Library.
Please find the full government news release here for your reference.
On behalf of FOPL, thank you for the important work you do every day in your communities. This announcement is a win for all Ontarians—and a testament to the power of libraries.