News & Updates

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…

Public libraries provide free access to knowledge, but proposed counter tariffs on US-made books, newspapers, magazines, DVDs, and CDs could cost libraries millions—limiting resources for Canadians. While libraries prioritize Canadian content, much essential material comes from the US. A 25% tariff would strain budgets, reducing access to vital information and cultural resources. Historically, cultural goods…

The Government of Canada is issuing a notice of intent to implement a second round of tariffs, and is seeking views on imposing tariffs on imports of additional goods from the U.S., drawing from this list of goods. The Government of Canada is proposing to implement a 25% tariff on books printed in the United…

A 25% tariff on books imported from the U.S. is set to take effect on April 2, and Canadian booksellers are fighting back. In a rare alliance, Laura Carter (CIBA) and Heather Reisman (Indigo) have urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to exempt books, warning of price hikes that could hurt readers, bookstores, and the publishing…

The Ontario Library Association (OLA) has recently launched the Inclusive Librarianship: State of the Sector Survey as part of its ongoing commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization. This initiative aims to gather critical data on the state of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the Ontario library and information sector. The results will directly inform…

Library Impact Ontario is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 service plan, offering enhanced services at no cost to all Ontario public libraries. With valuable feedback from libraries across the province, significant improvements have been made to ensure that the services are more responsive, accessible, and better aligned with the diverse needs of…