News & Updates

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…

Conference Engagement & Tradeshow Activity AMO Conference (August 2025) FOPL had a strong presence at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference in Ottawa this summer. We were joined by the Ontario Library Service ED Mellissa D’Onofrio-Jones and together our booth served as a gathering point of discussion for municipal leaders across Ontario. Many…

As part of the Ex-Libris Fall webinar series, on Thursday November 20, 2025 Ex-Libris is featuring a presentation and Q & A/ discussion entitled "Library Violence & Staff Safety". The speaker, Heather Turnbull from PAVE Prevention, is seeking input from Canadian libraries on their successful practices and strategies in maintaining safe spaces in their facilities.…

A message from the CFLA: Dear members, partners, committee members and library stakeholders, Some of you may have heard that CFLA is currently in the process of implementing an organizational review that was approved by the Board this spring. The recommendations from this review were the direct result of extensive consultation throughout 2024. It addresses…

Libraries are more than books—they're vital community spaces on the frontlines of social care. As more patrons face mental health, housing, and trauma-related challenges, library workers are adapting fast, often without formal training. Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw, author of Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries, is helping change that with trauma-informed tools and social work…

Toronto Public Library and The New York Public Library will co-host MetLib 2025 this fall in Toronto — and we invite you to join us! October 2025Toronto, CanadaCall for Proposals & Registration Now Open This year’s theme, “From Isolation to Social Connection: Libraries & Well-Being,” explores the vital role libraries play in combating social isolation,…

Please welcome Sarah Douglas-Murray, FOPL’s new Large Urban Caucus Trustee! Sarah currently serves as the CEO and Chief Librarian of Milton Public Library, where she leads one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most innovative library systems. With over 25 years of municipal leadership experience, she brings deep expertise in strategic planning, facility development, programming, and public…

Libraries play a vital role in building strong, resilient communities across Canada. As we approach the next federal election, it’s more important than ever for Members of Parliament (MPs) to recognize how libraries contribute to education, inclusion, and community development. This election presents a key opportunity to connect with local candidates from all major parties…