News & Updates

This new study explores the advocacy efforts of three key national library associations: the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC), and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA). From copyright reform to funding issues, these organizations are shaping the future of libraries and their vital role in society.  …

2024 was a pivotal year for Canadian libraries, as they faced growing challenges in intellectual freedom, censorship, and community engagement. From book bans to international advocacy events, libraries have become central to cultural conversations. Looking ahead to 2025, fostering freedom of expression and inclusive access to information will remain key priorities for libraries as they…

The year 2023 was another record-breaker for book bans. The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) documented1,247 attempts to censor library books and other materials—most of which were works by or about people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, or both. Since these attempts often target multiple items, OIF recorded 4,240…

October is Canadian Library Month! During the month, libraries and library partners across Canada raise awareness of libraries’ valuable role in the lives of people in Canada. In Ontario, the first week of October features First Nations Public Library Week (October 1-4), and the third week of October is Ontario Public Library Week (October 20-26). If the third week…

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC) is seeking nominations for its Intellectual Freedom Award, intended to recognize those Canadian libraries, individuals or library-related organizations that have best upheld and defended the principle of intellectual freedom in 2023. By Intellectual Freedom the CFLA refers to the belief that all persons in Canada…

Join the Ontario School Library Association (OSLA) in letting the provincial government know that every student in Ontario deserves a properly funded and staffed school library! In April 2024, the Ministry of Education released its new education funding model which eliminated the only protected funding envelope for school library staff and resources. Teacher-Librarians, previously considered…

The biggest news of course is the latest cabinet shuffle resulted in major changes for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and (now) Gaming. Early last month the province announced that the Hon. Stan Cho would become the new Minister for Tourism and Culture, retaining his OLG responsibilities from his previous ministry. The sport portfolio was…

In the ongoing efforts to safeguard the right to read in America, significant strides have been achieved, yet challenges persist with ongoing attacks on the First Amendment and the foundational principles of libraries. ALA's resolution on intellectual freedom serves as a thorough overview outlining the pressing issues. It stands as a testament to the unwavering…

The Ontario Library Association is proud to announce the winners of the OLA Library Building Award - Library Architectural and Design Transformation for their exceptional library renovation projects. We congratulate the library and design teams on their exceptional submissions.The award presentation will be made at the OLA Annual Institute on the Library as Place event, held…

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport is pleased to announce the launch of the Ontario Public Library Service Awards. The awards recognize Ontario’s public libraries for their creative library service ideas. There are two awards, each with categories for large, medium, and small libraries: Minister's Award for Innovation recognizes successful new approaches that demonstrate a…

In 2017, the Canadian Federation of Library Associations /Fédération Canadienne des Associations de Bibliothèques Indigenous Matters Committee published its Truth and Reconciliation Report which included a list of recommendations on what the library community can do. Since that time, over thirty Canadian libraries, Associations, and Institutions have endorsed the report. Following a survey of endorsing…

Please join us in welcoming Sarah Vaisler as our new Large Urban Caucus CEO Representative! Sarah joined the Ajax Public Library team in March 2020, as the Chief Librarian and Executive Officer. Prior to her position with Ajax, Sarah served as the Deputy Director at Clarington Public Library. With 18 years of experience, Sarah brings…