Conference Engagement & Tradeshow Activity
AMO Conference (August 2025)
FOPL had a strong presence at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa this summer. We were joined by the Ontario Library Service ED Mellissa D’Onofrio-Jones and together our booth served as a gathering point of discussion for municipal leaders across Ontario. Many shared their own stories of why libraries matter in their communities, sparking meaningful conversations on issues ranging from intellectual freedom and book banning to digital inclusivity. We discussed our provincial priorities, mainly the Ontario Digital Public Library and the need for an increase to the PLOG.
I was also honoured to participate in a panel discussion titled “Libraries for Community Impact and Childhood Development”. FOPL Board Chair, Deputy Mayor (Scarborough) Paul Ainslie moderated the panel. During my presentation, “Libraries: Essential Infrastructure for Strong Communities” I highlighted how public libraries serve as essential community assets and how municipal-library collaboration strengthens service delivery and resilience. A copy of this presentation, along with the other panel materials, is available on the AMO website.
AMCTO Conference (June 2025)
Earlier this summer, FOPL also joined OLS at the AMCTO tradeshow, where we engaged directly with municipal clerks, treasurers, CAOs, and directors. Both conferences provided invaluable opportunities to raise our profile, build relationships, and reinforce sector-wide priorities with key municipal decision-makers.
Advocacy & Government Relations
Development Charges Act
FOPL submitted a formal response to the provincial government’s consultation on proposed amendments to the Development Charges Act. We emphasized the critical importance of maintaining eligibility for library infrastructure funding through development charges, a vital mechanism for supporting growth and sustainability in communities.
2025 – Connectivity Ask – June (V3) OLA FOPL Response to 2025 DC Regulatory Proposal
Connectivity Grant
To continue to make inroads towards the Ontario Digital Public Library, FOPL and OLA have put forward a modest ask to ensure that all libraries serving populations under 20k have 100% coverage under the Connectivity Grant administered through OLS. The increase that was provided last year by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming of an additional 122k to the funding envelope, while very much appreciated, remain insufficient to ensure equitable broadband access in Ontario’s public libraries, particularly in rural and underserved communities. I met with Assistant Deputy Minister Katherine Kelly Gatten and Deputy Minister Nancy Kennedy to discuss the recent increase to the provincial Connectivity Grant and the gap which remains. I have attached this funding ask for your review.
2025 – Connectivity Ask – June (V3)
Member Services & Research Initiatives
Sentolib Research Opportunity
FOPL has been approached by Sentolib (Sentobib) to bring a proven, cost-effective user research tool to Ontario’s library systems. Already used by more than 1,150 libraries across Europe, this turnkey solution allows libraries to survey users (and optionally non-users), benchmark results internationally, and access tailored reports and dashboards with minimal staff effort and an accessible fee. As we primarily use global comparative data from the USA, this would provide FOPL with European comparative data to use for global benchmarks. A recording of the session is available here.
Strong-Mayor Powers Panel
FOPL hosted a well-attended panel discussion for members on the implications of Strong-Mayor Powers for library governance and municipal relations. The session, featuring Margie Singleton (FOPL Board), Sarah Vaisler (FOPL Board), and Michael Ciccone (FOPL Member), provided practical insights into navigating shifting power dynamics and strategies for advocacy. A big thank you to our panelists for sharing their knowledge and experiences!
Looking forward to an engaging legislative season this fall!