News & Updates

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.

FOPL has submitted a letter to MP Lightbound (federal) in support of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC).  Proposed changes to Bill C-15 affect the Canada Post shipping rate for ILLO. Please see the letter I submitted here. More Info (provided by CELA): Amendments to the Canada Post Corporation Act in Bill C-15 (the Budget…

I am pleased to share an update on FOPL’s recent advocacy activities and initiatives over the past few months. Our work continues to focus on strengthening the profile of Ontario’s public libraries, advancing advocacy priorities, and providing meaningful services to our members. Conference Engagement & Tradeshow Activity AMO Conference (August 2025) FOPL had a strong…

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. -- Libraries across Canada are ringing alarm bells about pending changes to the Canada Post act, which they say will threaten their ability to ship books at low rates. The changes are contained in Bill C-15, the federal government’s budget implementation act. Provisions in the massive 634-page bill are set to remove…

The Government of Canada has launched an AI Strategy Task Force and a 30-day national sprint (October 1 – 31, 2025), to shape the country's AI approach. https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2025/09/government-of-canada-launches-ai-strategy-task-force-and-public-engagement-on-the-development-of-the-next-ai-strategy.html Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is conducting an online consultation through a survey to inform the development of a renewed Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2026–2030. The…

FOPL would like to welcome Moe Hosseini-Ara to the FOPL board! Moe Hosseini-Ara is currently the City Librarian at Toronto Public Library, where he is responsible for leading North America’s largest library system. Moe has worked in libraries for over 30 years in a variety of positions in both a public and academic settings. He…

We’re excited to share the Bridge 2023/2024 Report: Impact of Technology Services in Ontario Public Libraries with you, which shares results from 22 participating libraries with nearly 6,500 respondents. The report's findings highlight the critical role that Ontario public libraries play in connecting communities to technology services and supporting digital inclusion. https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/content/bridge/pdfs/2023-2024-impact-of-technology-services-in-ontario-public-libraries.pdf Some key insights…