Celebrate Local Public Libraries During Ontario Public Library Week
The Ontario Library Association invites you to visit libraries online and in person
NEWS RELEASE
TORONTO, ON (Oct. 25, 2019): The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is pleased to recognize Ontario Public Library Week (Oct. 20-26, 2019), an annual opportunity to celebrate the important role of local public libraries in communities of all sizes across Ontario.
As Ontario’s farthest-reaching, most cost-effective public resource and community hubs, public libraries are helping millions of Ontarians independently train, learn, and reach their potential. Serving 98% of Ontarians in hundreds of communities of all sizes, public libraries are local, close to home, and adapt to meet the needs of the people and communities they serve.
Every year, Ontarians of all ages make 200 million visits to their local public library, accessing over 250,000 local programs and a wide variety of information resources with the support and guidance of people-focused, front-line library staff. All throughout Ontario Public Library Week, Ontarians have visited their local public library to participate in programs and events, and learned more about how Ontario’s libraries are serving their community.
“Ontario Public Library Week is a great opportunity for us to celebrate the important role that local public libraries and staff fulfill in our communities. Reliable broadband access, affordable and high-quality children’s programming and support for entrepreneurs and small business are just a few of the critical, locally-responsive resources that millions of Ontarians access through their public libraries every year,” comments Richard Reid, president, Ontario Library Association.
As an important part of Ontario Public Library Week, the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries has unveiled the shortlist (English and French) for this year’s Ontario Public Library Service Awards. These awards celebrate the innovation and excellence of public libraries in communities throughout Ontario. Winners will be announced this January.
“Congratulations to the shortlist nominees for this year’s Ontario Public Library Service Awards! The incredible work being done by all our public libraries is life-changing for so many people — from children and students to senior citizens, entrepreneurs and new Canadians,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “Because public libraries are so vital to our lives, our government is committed to supporting the work that librarians, library staff and volunteers do to make their communities better places. This week, let’s all take the opportunity to tell our local branch how much we appreciate everything they do for us every day.”
This year, OLA encouraged people across Ontario to tell us why they love their public library by submitting their tweets, posts and photos on social media using #ILoveONLibraries and through the Ontario Public Library Week webpage.
– 30 –
About the Ontario Library Association: The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is a centre of excellence for the library and information sector, with 5,000 members who work in public, school, academic and special libraries. OLA believes in the right of individuals to have free and equitable access to information. Our members research, develop and participate in educational programs designed to provide exemplary library services. Signature OLA events include the annual Super Conference and the Forest of Reading® program.
Media Contact:
Sarah Roberts
Ontario Library Association
416.363.3388 x 231
sroberts@accessola.com
—