FOPL at the AMO Conference FOPL will be attending the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa next week, where we will once again have a booth in the conference trade show. AMO is an important opportunity for FOPL to connect directly with municipal leaders from across the province and reinforce the essential…

Libraries and the pressures facing our communities In a recent Hamilton Spectator commentary, longtime library leader Wendy Newman reflects on the difficult circumstances surrounding Hamilton Public Library’s Central Library and places them within a much larger community and public-policy context. Newman points to the intersection of homelessness, mental health, addictions and the lack of affordable…

As you may have already heard, proposed Bill 28 in Alberta has raised concerns for libraries nation-wide. I am forwarding an email from the CFLA which includes links to letter templates created in partnership with the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries. You can find the letter FOPL has sent to Minister Dan Williams (Municipal Affairs…

Bill 28 in Alberta is causing quite a stir... and rightfully so. The proposed bill is publicized as restricting access to "explicit images" with the intent of protecting children. However the Bill would allow a provincial takeover of Alberta's public libraries from their communities and library boards, introducing Minister appointed inspectors that can inspect virtually…

Library Impact Ontario’s suite of free services empowers library professionals with robust, readily available data, resources, training and peer collaboration, strengthening data literacy and advocacy for public libraries across the province. The data behind Bridge has supported recent increased investments in library technology services, reinforcing its value as a reputable source of data that demonstrates…

Rural libraries urge province to close digital divide By Janice MacKay January 21, 2026 - 5:00am Library leaders from Georgian Bluffs, Chatsworth, and Owen Sound used the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference to press the Province for action on improving digital access for rural communities. Meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the municipal delegation…

An update from FOPL's Executive Director on recent work.

FOPL has submitted a letter to MP Lightbound (federal) in support of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC).  Proposed changes to Bill C-15 affect the Canada Post shipping rate for ILLO. Please see the letter I submitted here. More Info (provided by CELA): Amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act in Bill C-15 (the Budget…

I am pleased to share an update on FOPL’s recent advocacy activities and initiatives over the past few months. Our work continues to focus on strengthening the profile of Ontario’s public libraries, advancing advocacy priorities, and providing meaningful services to our members. Conference Engagement & Tradeshow Activity AMO Conference (August 2025) FOPL had a strong…

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. -- Libraries across Canada are ringing alarm bells about pending changes to the Canada Post act, which they say will threaten their ability to ship books at low rates. The changes are contained in Bill C-15, the federal government’s budget implementation act. Provisions in the massive 634-page bill are set to remove…

The Government of Canada has launched an AI Strategy Task Force and a 30-day national sprint (October 1 – 31, 2025), to shape the country's AI approach. https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2025/09/government-of-canada-launches-ai-strategy-task-force-and-public-engagement-on-the-development-of-the-next-ai-strategy.html Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting an online consultation through a survey to inform the development of a renewed Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030. The…

FOPL would like to welcome Moe Hosseini-Ara to the FOPL board! Moe Hosseini-Ara is currently the City Librarian at Toronto Public Library, where he is responsible for leading North America’s largest library system. Moe has worked in libraries for over 30 years in a variety of positions in both a public and academic settings. He…

Announcement - CFLA & CARL Accessible Content Guide annonce - guide du contenu accessible de la CFLA et de la CARL 2025 CFLA Intellectual Freedom Award Call for Nominations 2025 FCAB Prix de la liberté intellectuelle appel de candidatures Why Task Forces - CFLA’s New Structure 2025 Pourquoi des groupes de travail - Nouvelle structure…

Every other year, the ExLibris Association, in partnership with the Canadian Federation of Library Associations / Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques, invites Canadian libraries to be considered for the W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors. The deadline to apply this year has been extended to Thursday, November 6, 2025. The award is…

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…

I am thrilled to share with you the official launch of the FOPL Strategic Plan 2025–2029, a bold roadmap that sets our priorities and direction for the next several years. This plan reflects months of consultation with members, partners, and stakeholders, and is built around a shared vision of a thriving, innovative public library sector…

October is Canadian Library Month! During the month, libraries and library partners across Canada raise awareness of libraries’ valuable role in people's lives. In Ontario, the first week of October features First Nation Public Library Week (October 6-10), and the third week is Ontario Public Library Week (October 19-25). This year’s theme is “Libraries For Life / Biblios pour la…

Conference Engagement & Tradeshow Activity AMO Conference (August 2025) FOPL had a strong presence at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa this summer. We were joined by the Ontario Library Service ED Mellissa D’Onofrio-Jones and together our booth served as a gathering point of discussion for municipal leaders across Ontario. Many…

As part of the Ex-Libris Fall webinar series, on Thursday November 20, 2025 Ex-Libris is featuring a presentation and Q & A/ discussion entitled "Library Violence & Staff Safety". The speaker, Heather Turnbull from PAVE Prevention, is seeking input from Canadian libraries on their successful practices and strategies in maintaining safe spaces in their facilities.…

A message from the CFLA: Dear members, partners, committee members and library stakeholders, Some of you may have heard that CFLA is currently in the process of implementing an organizational review that was approved by the Board this spring. The recommendations from this review were the direct result of extensive consultation throughout 2024. It addresses…

The Government of Canada is issuing a notice of intent to implement a second round of tariffs, and is seeking views on imposing tariffs on imports of additional goods from the U.S., drawing from this list of goods. The Government of Canada is proposing to implement a 25% tariff on books printed in the United…

We have received our first response back from the NDP Party to our survey, asking parties and candidates if they support public library priorities and budget requests. We will be publishing the surveys as they are received from the parties. Election Survey - Ontario Library Association Federation of Ontario Public Libraries- NDP Responses

MEDIA RELEASE Election 2025: Ontario’s Public Libraries Urge All Parties to Support Public Libraries and Empower Local Communities ______________________________________________________________________ MEAFORD, ON – As the Ontario provincial election campaign enters its second half, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries is urging all political parties and candidates to demonstrate and pledge their support for public libraries in…

Ontario’s snap election has us all reeling so FOPL and OLA have partnered to help take the stress off, at least when it comes to libraries. The Elections Toolkit has been revised so that IF you have the opportunity to engage with your local candidates, you have some items in your back pocket to fall…