News & Updates

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…

CRKN has been expanding access to Canadian documentary heritage since 2018.  In collaboration with their members and partners, they make over 60 million pages of digitized heritage content available free of charge in the Canadiana collections. To preserve these valuable materials, they operate the CRKN Trustworthy Digital Repository, certified infrastructure that ensures the long-term security and…

As book bans continue to surge in the U.S., Ontario librarians are preparing for similar challenges at home. A recent study by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations found that nearly half of book challenges in Canadian libraries last year targeted 2SLGBTQ+ content—up from just 10% in 2019. Librarians across the country are using Freedom…

We have received our first response back from the NDP Party to our survey, asking parties and candidates if they support public library priorities and budget requests. We will be publishing the surveys as they are received from the parties. Election Survey - Ontario Library Association Federation of Ontario Public Libraries- NDP Responses

MEDIA RELEASE Election 2025: Ontario’s Public Libraries Urge All Parties to Support Public Libraries and Empower Local Communities ______________________________________________________________________ MEAFORD, ON – As the Ontario provincial election campaign enters its second half, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries is urging all political parties and candidates to demonstrate and pledge their support for public libraries in…

Ontario’s snap election has us all reeling so FOPL and OLA have partnered to help take the stress off, at least when it comes to libraries. The Elections Toolkit has been revised so that IF you have the opportunity to engage with your local candidates, you have some items in your back pocket to fall…

Hope you’re all keeping warm during this cold snap! We’ve been busy over at FOPL and I have a few updates to share. This week we submitted our Pre-Budget Submission for the 2025-26 budget cycle to the Ministry of Finance (here). The document highlights the need for increased funding and support for public libraries through…

A shadow war is unfolding in Canadian communities, targeting libraries and 2SLGBTQ+ books. In Valleyview, Alberta, local youth and advocates, like Theo Robertson, are fighting to protect safe spaces in their library amidst political opposition. As book challenges and censorship rise across Canada, fueled by misinformation, communities like Valleyview are divided over 2SLGBTQ+ representation. The…