News & Updates

Our brand new website and Member Portal is poised to benefit our members and the broader industry for years to come.

The latest from CFLA Please see the document below for an update of recent activities, progress on governance items, and upcoming plans for CFLA.  CFLA Report to Members 052026

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Ontario Public Library Service Awards. Deadline: The deadline for submitting your application is September 11th, 2026. Please submit your application through the following online submission form. About the Awards: The Ontario Public Library Service Awards recognize innovative programs and…

As you may have already heard, proposed Bill 28 in Alberta has raised concerns for libraries nation-wide. I am forwarding an email from the CFLA which includes links to letter templates created in partnership with the Coalition of Alberta Public Libraries. You can find the letter FOPL has sent to Minister Dan Williams (Municipal Affairs…

Three new members joined the FOPL Board at our AGM on April 24. Welcome to Marianne LaBerge, Chantal Gingras, and Laura Carter! Marianne LaBerge joins us as a Trustee for the Northern Caucus. Marianne is a board member of the Blind River Public Library. She is retired from the Greater Sudbury Police Service where she…

Bill 28 in Alberta is causing quite a stir... and rightfully so. The proposed bill is publicized as restricting access to "explicit images" with the intent of protecting children. However the Bill would allow a provincial takeover of Alberta's public libraries from their communities and library boards, introducing Minister appointed inspectors that can inspect virtually…

Library Impact Ontario’s suite of free services empowers library professionals with robust, readily available data, resources, training and peer collaboration, strengthening data literacy and advocacy for public libraries across the province. The data behind Bridge has supported recent increased investments in library technology services, reinforcing its value as a reputable source of data that demonstrates…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 27, 2026 The Ex Libris Association (ELA) is pleased to announce that the W. Kaye Lamb Award for Innovative Services to Seniors recipient for 2025 is the Kingston Frontenac Public Library. The W.Kaye Lamb Committee selected the Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s innovative Older Adults Hub, which operates out of the library's…

FOPL would like to welcome Ben Liu to the FOPL Board! Ben Liu is the Executive Director of the University of Toronto’s School of Cities, where he leads the School’s financial, operational, and programmatic strategy and oversight. A long-time Toronto resident with over 25 years of experience in public education and capacity building, he serves…

"Are librarians the key for teaching AI literacy? Armed with media literacy and other critical skills, these educators want to spark deeper thinking about AI." Read the article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/librarians-teach-ai-9.7055661

Rural libraries urge province to close digital divide By Janice MacKay January 21, 2026 - 5:00am Library leaders from Georgian Bluffs, Chatsworth, and Owen Sound used the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference to press the Province for action on improving digital access for rural communities. Meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the municipal delegation…

An update from FOPL's Executive Director on recent work.