by FOPLED | May 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
Ajax Public Library CEO Sarah Vaisler speaks with Ismaila Alfa on CBC’s “Fresh Air” to talk about upcoming drag queen storytimes. CEOs in Durham Region released a letter to counter recent pushback to the events being held and went on to speak about how the core of these programs is to promote acceptance, diversity and inclusion, something that resonates very strongly with public library values. Listen to the full segment here:...
by FOPLED | May 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
The Ontario Library Service continues to implement the Connecting Public Libraries Initiative, a $4.85M project investment made by the Province of Ontario to upgrade broadband internet service at approximately 50 public libraries in unserved and underserved communities across the province. To date through the Connecting Public Libraries Initiative (CLI), 13 public library branches have been connected with improved speeds of at least 50/10mbps. This improved connection reaches over 35,000 Ontarians providing more reliable connectivity through the local public library. This will enable greater participation in critical services such as online health care, remote work, and online education. Today, we share the exciting news that Beausoleil First Nation Public Library has been connected. With funding from this project, a new tower was constructed, which will enable the entire community to access faster and more reliable internet, not just the library. To read the full story, click...
by FOPLED | Apr 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
Researchers from McMaster University, Ontario Tech University and the University at Buffalo are conducting a study on digital literacy training initiatives for the general public led by public libraries. CULC and CFLA are two of the partner organizations on this SSHRC-funded project. The attached letter of information provides more details about the study. Please forward this email to administrators and instructors in your library who may be interested in completing a survey. The first 200 library administrators and 300 library instructors who fill out a survey are eligible to receive an optional $20 Amazon gift card. Library administrators are asked to fill out the following 30-minute survey: https://uoit.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0fbQNjCbPdQDNMG. Instructors are asked to fill out the following 30-minute survey: https://uoit.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56WIcRYLi1uZ4Gy. Instructors at the end of their survey will be asked if they can advertise a 15-minute survey to adult end-users in their classes. The first 300 instructors who fill out a survey and agree to advertise the end-user survey to adults in their classes are eligible to receive an optional, additional $5 towards their Amazon gift card. The researchers will not tell anyone who has or has not participated in the study. This study has been reviewed and cleared by the McMaster Research Ethics Board and the Ontario Tech Research Ethics Board. If you have any questions or comments about this study, please contact libstudy@mcmaster.ca....
by FOPLED | Apr 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
Truth & Reconciliation Plan – FOPLThe Indigenous Libraries Working Group has created the above linked document to guide the work of the federation as we strive towards reconciliation. FOPL, as a provincial federation, made up of Ontario library system members, has the opportunity to be a leader in Truth and Reconciliation work within our provincial library system. This document outlines areas where FOPL can be a catalyst for change and disruptor of current mores. Additionally, this document will provide a shortlist of efforts our library members may wish to address in their own...
by FOPLED | Apr 6, 2023 | Uncategorized
If your library is looking to embark on a project for seniors and/or to make your space more accessible, this grant may be applicable. The Inclusive Community Grants Program helps ensure local governments and community organizations consider Ontarians of all ages and abilities at every stage of community planning and development. Inclusive communities respond to both the opportunities and challenges of an aging population by: creating physical and social environments that support independent and active living enabling older adults and people with disabilities to continue contributing to all aspects of community life Ontario’s Inclusive Community Grants Program supports community projects that: benefit local communities promote accessibility, safety and active living for people of all ages and abilities meet the needs of seniors and people with disabilities Projects funded through Inclusive Community Grants are led by: municipalities non-for-profit organizations Indigenous communities Applications will open through the Transfer Payment Ontario website on March 9, 2023 and will close on April 20, 2023 at 5 p.m. EST. Learn more about applying for funding opportunities. If you have questions about the program, please contact your Regional Development...
by FOPLED | Apr 4, 2023 | Uncategorized
le français suit 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 2022. By Intellectual Freedom the CFLA refers to the belief that all persons in Canada have a fundamental right, subject only to the Constitution and the law, to have access to the full range of knowledge, imagination, ideas, and opinion, and to express their thoughts publicly (“Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries”). The CFLA further holds that Canadian libraries play a fundamental role in enabling Canadians’ right to intellectual freedom. The IFC welcomes nominations representing a diverse range of IF-related activities. Possible eligible activities could include but not be limited to: Facing and responding to challenges or censorship over materials; Collections projects to achieve better balance regarding controversial issues, (these projects need not themselves have generated controversy); Programming or events regarding controversial issues, and which reflect multiple perspectives; Advocacy or education efforts regarding intellectual freedom; Innovative IF policy statements; and Conflict mediation: instances in which a library was able to work to resolve conflict between stakeholders in the community, each of whom had competing interests regarding the content of collections or programs. Please submit your nomination with a brief 200-500 word description and any supporting documents by May 15th, 2023 to: Michael Dudley m.dudley@uwinnipeg.ca Or Robert Thomas Robert.Thomas@uregina.ca ——————————————————————————————— Le Comité sur la liberté intellectuelle de la Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques est à la recherche de candidatures pour...
