Last week, FOPL was pleased to attend the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa, one of the province’s most important annual gatherings of municipal leaders, elected officials, and decision-makers.
FOPL’s presence at AMO is an important part of our ongoing advocacy work. Municipal governments are essential partners in the success of Ontario’s public libraries, and the conference gives us an opportunity to speak directly with councilors, mayors, municipal staff, and other sector leaders about the role libraries play in strong, connected communities.
We were joined at our booth by Brandon from Ontario Library Service (OLS) and had some great conversations and interactions with delegates throughout the conference. It was a valuable opportunity to talk about the important role public libraries play in their communities and to hear directly from municipal leaders about what matters to them.
A highlight of our booth was our “dotmocracy” board, where we asked delegates:
“What do you think is the most important library service to your community?”
The board was incredibly popular and sparked some fantastic conversations about the many different ways public libraries serve Ontario communities. From books and early literacy to technology access, community spaces, employment supports and social services, delegates had plenty to say—and plenty of dots to place!
Pictured: Sarah Macintyre from Ottawa Public Library and a conference delegate
Pictured: A conference delegate placing their dots!
Local Governance and Intellectual Freedom
Another important part of our conversations at AMO was the importance of strong local library governance and intellectual freedom.
Ahead of the conference, FOPL developed a new advocacy resource highlighting why Ontario’s public library boards must be able to make decisions about collections and library services based on the needs of their own communities and established professional principles.
With municipal elections approaching, these conversations are particularly timely. We encouraged municipal leaders to recognize the important role independent public library boards play in protecting access to a broad range of ideas and ensuring libraries remain welcoming places for everyone.
Listening to Municipal Priorities
AMO is not only an opportunity for FOPL to advocate—it is also an opportunity to listen.
Conversations with municipal leaders help us better understand the pressures communities are facing and where libraries fit within broader municipal priorities. These discussions help inform FOPL’s advocacy and strengthen our ability to demonstrate the value and return on investment public libraries provide to municipalities across Ontario.
They also reinforce the importance of telling the library story in terms that resonate with municipal decision-makers: community well-being, economic development, efficient use of public resources, access to services, and strong local communities.
Looking Ahead to the Municipal Elections
With Ontario’s 2026 municipal elections on the horizon, AMO was also an important opportunity to build relationships and raise awareness of the issues that matter to public libraries.
FOPL, in partnership with the Ontario Library Association, has developed resources to help libraries and library supporters engage candidates during the election period. We encourage members to use these resources locally, share our advocacy materials with candidates, and create opportunities to talk about the value their library brings to their community.
Thank You, AMO!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to speak with us during the conference. Every conversation helps build greater awareness of the essential role public libraries play in Ontario communities.
FOPL will continue to ensure that Ontario’s public libraries have a strong voice in conversations about the future of our municipalities and our province.
Pictured: Executive Director Dina Stevens and Deputy Mayor (Toronto) and FOPL Past-Chair Paul Ainslie