Last week Friday we submitted our Pre-Budget Submission for the 2026-27 budget cycle to the Ministry of Finance (attached). The document highlights the need for increased funding and support for public libraries through the creation of an Ontario Digital Public Library and an increase to the Public Libraries Operating Grant. In preparation of this submission we have been coordinating deputations to the Ministry of Finance and the Stranding Committee on Economic Affairs and Finance. Library CEOs are in the midst of these deputations now and I will be presenting to the MOF on Thursday of this week. A big thank you to those library CEOs across the province who are presenting on behalf of libraries and highlighting the impact our provincial priorities would have on their libraries and communities. Our work cannot be successful without us working together towards our shared goals.
FINAL – 2026 – Pre-Budget Written Submission – OLA & FOPL
Our 2025 conference stretch is also underway. FOPL attended the Rural Ontario Municipal Conference earlier this week with Brian Masschaele, CEO of Elgin County Public Library and ARUPLO representative. We had some excellent engagement with municipal councilors and MPPs who were there to hear deputations from rural municipalities. I also had countless conversations with municipal councilors, talking about our advocacy work and the important role of public libraries in their communities. Support from municipal councilors for the ODPL is growing, with some choosing to add information about the ODPL in their deputations after their visit to the tradeshow booth, while the call for increase PLOG funding remains at the top of municipal priorities. It was wonderful to hear stories of their own local libraries and how much they value the work they do.
I was joined by Brian Masschaele, CEO of Elgin County Public Library, representing ARUPLO and FOPL Board Chair / Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Paul Ainslie.
A couple of administrative notes to mention as well. Membership invoices were sent out the first week of January. I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support and contributions to the collective advocacy work that we do. FOPL would not be able to operate without you and I am personally thankful to you and your boards for prioritizing advocacy. We are also starting a new website revamp project. This is very exciting as it will improve functionality significantly. Keep your eyes peeled for around May for the new launch!