2020 Data Report

by | Nov 11, 2021 | Uncategorized

The 2020 Data Report is now available!  This data report includes the most recent 2020 operating data. Members may download this report. The dataset is also available to remembers free of charge. Please contact Dina Stevens for a copy of the full dataset in excel format.  Peer Comparison Reports are also available and can be commissioned by request. FOPL Data Report, 2020 Ontario Public Library Operating Data, 2000-2020 Federation of Ontario Public Libraries Published: November 2021   Dina Stevens Executive Director...

Thinking of Going Fine Free?

by | Nov 2, 2021 | Uncategorized

Many libraries are eliminating fines… and people are noticing! Even Forbes. NYPL President Andrew W. Marx said in a statement that such fines, “are an antiquated, ineffective way to encourage patrons to return their books; for those who can afford the fines, they are barely an incentive. For those who can’t afford the fines— disproportionately low-income New Yorkers—they become a real barrier to access that we can no longer accept. This is a step towards a more equitable society,…” To read more, the link to the Forbes article is below:...

Impact of COVID on Book Borrowing

by | Nov 1, 2021 | Uncategorized

Interesting article from BookNet Canada. 40% of Canadians said that COVID impacted their book borrowing and book buying habits in 2020. This data is compared to similar data points collected in 2019. The results? Canadians want in-person libraries, and they visit predominantly to pick up their holds. However… online visits led to more checkouts per visit than in-person visits. Interesting! Click on the article for full details and more stats!...

Ontario Parks – Day-Use Permit Lending Program

by | Oct 18, 2021 | Uncategorized

A message from Ontario Parks: Ontario Parks is pleased to invite you to take part in our day use permit lending program. Last year we successfully expanded this initiative to more than 200 public libraries across Ontario. We are now accepting first-time applications and renewals for the 2022 season. We would like to thank all participating libraries for making this program a great success to date. In 2022, we will continue to supply all participating libraries with 3 commercial day use permits per participating branch at no cost. Library patrons will be able to borrow a park permit from your library, providing access for one vehicle and its occupants to more than 100 provincial parks in Ontario. Please note: all applications to participate or renew must be submitted by November 15, 2021 For libraries new to the program: To request day use permits for your library system, please fill out the short application at OntarioParks.com/library by November 15, 2021 Please coordinate internally and submit one application per library system on behalf of all branches who will be participating Please review and accept the terms and conditions provided on the application website prior submitting the form Ontario Parks will confirm your application via email and mail the permits in November 2021 to a single contact per library system. It will be the responsibility of each participating library to distribute permits to participating branches within your system. The lending of permits can begin starting January 1, 2022. These permits will remain valid until December 31, 2022. For libraries who participated in 2021: Please keep your 2021 permits as they are valid...