News & Updates

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…

Announcement - CFLA & CARL Accessible Content Guide annonce - guide du contenu accessible de la CFLA et de la CARL 2025 CFLA Intellectual Freedom Award Call for Nominations 2025 FCAB Prix de la liberté intellectuelle appel de candidatures Why Task Forces - CFLA’s New Structure 2025 Pourquoi des groupes de travail - Nouvelle structure…

Every other year, the ExLibris Association, in partnership with the Canadian Federation of Library Associations / Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques, invites Canadian libraries to be considered for the W. Kaye Lamb Award for Service to Seniors. The deadline to apply this year has been extended to Thursday, November 6, 2025. The award is…

We are thrilled to share some exciting news from the Ontario Government! Today, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming announced a funding increase to the Internet Connectivity Grant program, ensuring that all First Nation Public Libraries and additional rural libraries will now receive full reimbursement for the costs of providing public internet access. This…

I am thrilled to share with you the official launch of the FOPL Strategic Plan 2025–2029, a bold roadmap that sets our priorities and direction for the next several years. This plan reflects months of consultation with members, partners, and stakeholders, and is built around a shared vision of a thriving, innovative public library sector…

October is Canadian Library Month! During the month, libraries and library partners across Canada raise awareness of libraries’ valuable role in people's lives. In Ontario, the first week of October features First Nation Public Library Week (October 6-10), and the third week is Ontario Public Library Week (October 19-25). This year’s theme is “Libraries For Life / Biblios pour la…