Libraries are more than books—they're vital community spaces on the frontlines of social care. As more patrons face mental health, housing, and trauma-related challenges, library workers are adapting fast, often without formal training. Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw, author of Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries, is helping change that with trauma-informed tools and social work…

Toronto Public Library and The New York Public Library will co-host MetLib 2025 this fall in Toronto — and we invite you to join us! October 2025Toronto, CanadaCall for Proposals & Registration Now Open This year’s theme, “From Isolation to Social Connection: Libraries & Well-Being,” explores the vital role libraries play in combating social isolation,…

Please welcome Sarah Douglas-Murray, FOPL’s new Large Urban Caucus Trustee! Sarah currently serves as the CEO and Chief Librarian of Milton Public Library, where she leads one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most innovative library systems. With over 25 years of municipal leadership experience, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, facility development, programming, and public…

Libraries play a vital role in building strong, resilient communities across Canada. As we approach the next federal election, it’s more important than ever for Members of Parliament (MPs) to recognize how libraries contribute to education, inclusion, and community development. This election presents a key opportunity to connect with local candidates from all major parties…

Public libraries provide free access to knowledge, but proposed counter tariffs on US-made books, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, and CDs could cost libraries millions—limiting resources for Canadians. While libraries prioritize Canadian content, much essential material comes from the US. A 25% tariff would strain budgets, reducing access to vital information and cultural resources. Historically, cultural goods…

A 25% tariff on books imported from the U.S. is set to take effect on April 2, and Canadian booksellers are fighting back. In a rare alliance, Laura Carter (CIBA) and Heather Reisman (Indigo) have urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to exempt books, warning of price hikes that could hurt readers, bookstores, and the publishing…

The Ontario Library Association (OLA) has recently launched the Inclusive Librarianship: State of the Sector Survey as part of its ongoing commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization. This initiative aims to gather critical data on the state of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the Ontario library and information sector. The results will directly inform…

Library Impact Ontario is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 service plan, offering enhanced services at no cost to all Ontario public libraries. With valuable feedback from libraries across the province, significant improvements have been made to ensure that the services are more responsive, accessible, and better aligned with the diverse needs of…

CRKN has been expanding access to Canadian documentary heritage since 2018.  In collaboration with their members and partners, they make over 60 million pages of digitized heritage content available free of charge in the Canadiana collections. To preserve these valuable materials, they operate the CRKN Trustworthy Digital Repository, certified infrastructure that ensures the long-term security and…

As book bans continue to surge in the U.S., Ontario librarians are preparing for similar challenges at home. A recent study by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations found that nearly half of book challenges in Canadian libraries last year targeted 2SLGBTQ+ content—up from just 10% in 2019. Librarians across the country are using Freedom…

A shadow war is unfolding in Canadian communities, targeting libraries and 2SLGBTQ+ books. In Valleyview, Alberta, local youth and advocates, like Theo Robertson, are fighting to protect safe spaces in their library amidst political opposition. As book challenges and censorship rise across Canada, fueled by misinformation, communities like Valleyview are divided over 2SLGBTQ+ representation. The…

This new study explores the advocacy efforts of three key national library associations: the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC), and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA). From copyright reform to funding issues, these organizations are shaping the future of libraries and their vital role in society.  …

2024 was a pivotal year for Canadian libraries, as they faced growing challenges in intellectual freedom, censorship, and community engagement. From book bans to international advocacy events, libraries have become central to cultural conversations. Looking ahead to 2025, fostering freedom of expression and inclusive access to information will remain key priorities for libraries as they…

The year 2023 was another record-breaker for book bans. The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) documented1,247 attempts to censor library books and other materials—most of which were works by or about people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, or both. Since these attempts often target multiple items, OIF recorded 4,240…

October is Canadian Library Month! During the month, libraries and library partners across Canada raise awareness of libraries’ valuable role in the lives of people in Canada. In Ontario, the first week of October features First Nations Public Library Week (October 1-4), and the third week of October is Ontario Public Library Week (October 20-26). If the third week…

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) is seeking nominations for its Intellectual Freedom Award, intended to recognize those Canadian libraries, individuals or library-related organizations that have best upheld and defended the principle of intellectual freedom in 2023. By Intellectual Freedom the CFLA refers to the belief that all persons in Canada…

Join the Ontario School Library Association (OSLA) in letting the provincial government know that every student in Ontario deserves a properly funded and staffed school library! In April 2024, the Ministry of Education released its new education funding model which eliminated the only protected funding envelope for school library staff and resources. Teacher-Librarians, previously considered…

In the ongoing efforts to safeguard the right to read in America, significant strides have been achieved, yet challenges persist with ongoing attacks on the First Amendment and the foundational principles of libraries. ALA's resolution on intellectual freedom serves as a thorough overview outlining the pressing issues. It stands as a testament to the unwavering…

The Ontario Library Association is proud to announce the winners of the OLA Library Building Award - Library Architectural and Design Transformation for their exceptional library renovation projects. We congratulate the library and design teams on their exceptional submissions.The award presentation will be made at the OLA Annual Institute on the Library as Place event, held…

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is pleased to announce the launch of the Ontario Public Library Service Awards. The awards recognize Ontario’s public libraries for their creative library service ideas. There are two awards, each with categories for large, medium, and small libraries: Minister's Award for Innovation recognizes successful new approaches that demonstrate a…

In 2017, the Canadian Federation of Library Associations /Fédération Canadienne des Associations de Bibliothèques Indigenous Matters Committee published its Truth and Reconciliation Report which included a list of recommendations on what the library community can do. Since that time, over thirty Canadian libraries, Associations, and Institutions have endorsed the report. Following a survey of endorsing…

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Vaisler as our new Large Urban Caucus CEO Representative! Sarah joined the Ajax Public Library team in March 2020, as the Chief Librarian and Executive Officer. Prior to her position with Ajax, Sarah served as the Deputy Director at Clarington Public Library. With 18 years of experience, Sarah brings…

CFLA/FCAB's Intellectual Freedom Committee is searching for TWO new members.  We welcome nominations from CFLA/FCAB member associations and self-nominations from members of CFLA/FCAB member associations. Once appointed to the Committee, the responsibility of members is to the Committee, not to the nominating body.  The Committee strives to include a wide variety of backgrounds and interests,…