Our Mandate
The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries exists to advance, support, and strengthen public library systems across Ontario. We provide a unified provincial presence for the sector by:
- Advocating for public policy that enables strong, sustainable public libraries
- Representing libraries at provincial decision-making tables
- Sharing research, insights, and coordinated messaging
- Supporting library leaders with relevant resources and learning
FOPL is not a regulatory body; we are a collective voice and strategic partner for municipal and provincial leaders, working with library boards, administrators, and sector partners to maximize the impact of public library services.
2025-29 Strategic Plan
FOPL’s 2025-29 Strategic Plan guides our work and priorities over a multi-year horizon. It reflects conversations with members and partners about where the sector is headed and how best to support success.
The plan outlines:
- Vision and mission
- Strategic goals and focus areas
- Priority actions for advocacy, engagement, and research
- Measures for accountability and inclusion
At its heart, the Strategic Plan positions FOPL to be:
- A trusted voice for the sector
- A proactive advocate for policy and investment
- A resource hub for leaders and decision-makers
Bylaws & Key Policies
FOPL operates with transparency and accountability. Our governance is structured by bylaws and policies that guide decision-making, leadership selection, and organizational operations.
These documents provide important context about:
- Board responsibilities and election processes
- Policy development and approval
- Conflict of interest procedures
- Meeting schedules and member engagement
They are foundational for members and prospective members who want to understand how FOPL functions as an organization.
Review Our Bylaws & Key Policies
Board of Directors
The Board provides governance, strategic leadership, and accountability for FOPL. Board members are experienced leaders from across Ontario’s public library community, including CEOs, trustees, and representatives from different regional caucuses.
The Board is responsible for:
- Setting strategic direction and priorities
- Upholding governance and accountability
- Approving advocacy positions and organizational policy
- Ensuring FOPL’s mandate reflects member interests
2026 Executive Leadership
- Wayne Greco, Chair, Trustee, Sault St. Marie Public Library
- Paul Ainslie, Past Chair, Trustee, Toronto Public Library
- Sarah Vaisler, Vice Chair, CEO, Ajax Public Library
- Catherina Moskau, Treasurer, CEO, Clarence-Rockland Public Library
- Dina Stevens, Secretary, Executive Director, FOPL
2026 Caucus Directors
Leaders from regions and library systems across Ontario serve as Board directors, ensuring a provincial perspective in decision-making. This structure ensures FOPL’s governance reflects the diversity of library types, geographies, and community contexts across the province.
Feather Maracle
Catherina Moskau
Sarah Vaisler
Kathy Fisher
Wayne Greco
Laura Carter
Sarah Douglas Murray
Emma Kinsman
Nadine Williams
Beverly King
Jodie Delgado
Marianne LaBerge
Chantal Gingras
Susan McGibbon
Jennifer LaChapelle
Ben Liu
Lisa Radha Vohra
Paul Ainslie
Moe Hosseini-Ara
Board Meetings
The Board meets at least four times a year and includes representatives from multiple caucuses that reflect Ontario’s diverse library systems. Past minutes and relevant materials from recent meetings are available here.
FOPL members who wish to attend an upcoming board meeting can register through the Member Portal.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is an important part of FOPL’s governance process and provides members with an opportunity to participate in the organization’s direction. Past minutes and relevant materials from recent meetings are available here.
Working Groups
FOPL’s Board convenes working groups to focus on priority areas of work, bring member expertise to strategic initiatives, and support knowledge sharing across public libraries. Membership includes library leaders, staff, and subject experts.
From time to time, FOPL establishes time-limited project teams to advance specific organizational initiatives. Examples include reviews of bylaws and policies or improvements to digital platforms.
This collaborative structure ensures member voices contribute directly to FOPL’s work and strengthens sector coordination on shared priorities. Standard working groups include:
- French Translation: Supports translation and accessibility of FOPL resources in both official languages.
- Government Relations: Advises on provincial and municipal engagement strategies, builds relationships with elected officials and civil servants, and supports advocacy efforts.
- Indigenous Library Partnerships: Focuses on strengthening relationships and advocacy for First Nations public libraries and supporting inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation initiatives.
- Marketing & Communications: Works with staff to coordinate strategic marketing initiatives, content development, and shared messaging tools.
- Research & Development: Identifies research priorities, training opportunities, and supports the development of sector tools.
FOPL Team
FOPL’s professional staff support the Board and working groups by managing operations, coordinating advocacy and engagement activities, developing resources, and sustaining partnerships.
The staff team works closely with board members and working groups, municipal and provincial decision-makers, sector partners and collaborators, and member libraries across Ontario.
Dina Stevens
Dina Stevens, MLIS, is the Executive Director of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL), where she leads provincial advocacy, government relations, and strategic initiatives on behalf of Ontario’s public libraries. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Western University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from York University. With more than 15 years of experience in Ontario’s public library sector, Dina has built a career in library leadership, strategic planning, and public policy. She is passionate about advancing the role of public libraries as essential community infrastructure and championing equitable access to information, learning, and community services.
Diana Chiavaroli
Diana has worked as an educator for the past 20 years. She has a passion for working in the non-profit sector and has been a part of the FOPL team since 2024.