News & Updates

The British Columbia government says it will provide a one-time funding boost of $45 million to public libraries across the province. The investment will be shared between all 71 public library organizations in B.C., supplementing the $14 million in annual operating funds the province provides. The B.C. municipal affairs ministry says the money will be…

RCMP Confirms Censorship Attempts Were Unwarranted at BC School Libraries FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 March 2023, Canada Libraries continue to defend students’ freedom to read in the face of increased censorship tactics. A recent RCMP investigation found that items in Chilliwack, BC school libraries – while they may be deemed inappropriate or concerning to some…

Book Challenges Nearly Doubled From 2021 CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) today released new data documenting* 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges…

The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries has received some attention that past few days as we make our pitch to the Ontario Government for a province wide Digital Public Library. The Canadian Press report by Allison Jones titled, “Libraries ask for Ontario-wide digital system to ensure equal access to materials” was published in 56 news…

FOPL was granted a deputation to the Standing Committee of Economic Affairs and Finance on February 13th to compliment our Pre-Budget Submission to the Ministry of Finance. Our sector has had, in total, six deputations to the Standing Committee and/or the Minister of Finance combined this budget season. I’m so energized by the way our…

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations and the Centre for Free Expression are pleased to announce an agreement in principle to maintain a joint library challenges database. Libraries will be able to report and access information on intellectual freedom challenges and issues through a single CFLA/CFE portal. The two organizations look forward to signing a…

“Ontario Library Association's President's Award for Exceptional Achievement acknowledges an outstanding action or contribution that has in a major or unique way enhanced or furthered librarianship in Ontario. The selection is at the full discretion of the President of the OLA. The award is only given if the achievement has a significant impact on the…

The following positions available on our board that are currently vacant. Trustee positions are filled by member library board members. FOPL Board members are required to attend four annual board meetings plus two auxiliary meetings (for the audit approval and post AGM). Sitting on our working groups is voluntary. Board Vacancies, positions which no one…

FOPL was recently interviewed by CBC Sudbury to provide comment on the Public Library Operating Grant, the sector's largest funding envelope. FOPL was asked for comments after the Sudbury Public Library asked for an increase to their budget, a familiar position many of our libraries are in after soaring inflation rates and the post-pandemic echo.…

FOPL and OLA continue to have conversations with Ministry staff and answer any questions they may have about the ODPL and the funding issues with public libraries on reserve, which have also been of great interest. We hope to meet again formally next month to follow up from our conversation in November. We have also…

FOPL and OLA have have drafted a joint letter to Toronto and Ottawa municipal councils regarding the Strong Mayors Act. The intent of this letter was solely to bring to light to Toronto and Ottawa council members important information about the relationship between the exercise of authorities granted in Strong Mayors and the broader statutory…