News & Updates

Ajax Public Library CEO Sarah Vaisler speaks with Ismaila Alfa on CBC's "Fresh Air" to talk about upcoming drag queen storytimes. CEOs in Durham Region released a letter to counter recent pushback to the events being held and went on to speak about how the core of these programs is to promote acceptance, diversity and…

The Ontario Library Service continues to implement the Connecting Public Libraries Initiative, a $4.85M project investment made by the Province of Ontario to upgrade broadband internet service at approximately 50 public libraries in unserved and underserved communities across the province.  To date through the Connecting Public Libraries Initiative (CLI), 13 public library branches have been…

Stakeholder consultations with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport were concluded in late March. We will be staying in touch with Ministry staff and offering any follow-up they may require. The MTCS has expressed an interest in “modernizing” the library sector’s funding contribution and we are hopeful that we will see some movement on…

If your library is looking to embark on a project for seniors and/or to make your space more accessible, this grant may be applicable. The Inclusive Community Grants Program helps ensure local governments and community organizations consider Ontarians of all ages and abilities at every stage of community planning and development. Inclusive communities respond to…

The Ontario Library Service is thrilled to partner with the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) to offer a free, enhanced accessibility training certificate program for public libraries to support Ontarians with print disabilities. The “CELA Service in Ontario Public Libraries” certificate is open to Ontario library staff and volunteers at all service levels. The…

The British Columbia government says it will provide a one-time funding boost of $45 million to public libraries across the province. The investment will be shared between all 71 public library organizations in B.C., supplementing the $14 million in annual operating funds the province provides. The B.C. municipal affairs ministry says the money will be…

RCMP Confirms Censorship Attempts Were Unwarranted at BC School Libraries FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 March 2023, Canada Libraries continue to defend students’ freedom to read in the face of increased censorship tactics. A recent RCMP investigation found that items in Chilliwack, BC school libraries – while they may be deemed inappropriate or concerning to some…

Book Challenges Nearly Doubled From 2021 CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) today released new data documenting* 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources in 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data about censorship in libraries more than 20 years ago. The unparalleled number of reported book challenges…

The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries has received some attention that past few days as we make our pitch to the Ontario Government for a province wide Digital Public Library. The Canadian Press report by Allison Jones titled, “Libraries ask for Ontario-wide digital system to ensure equal access to materials” was published in 56 news…

FOPL was granted a deputation to the Standing Committee of Economic Affairs and Finance on February 13th to compliment our Pre-Budget Submission to the Ministry of Finance. Our sector has had, in total, six deputations to the Standing Committee and/or the Minister of Finance combined this budget season. I’m so energized by the way our…

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations and the Centre for Free Expression are pleased to announce an agreement in principle to maintain a joint library challenges database. Libraries will be able to report and access information on intellectual freedom challenges and issues through a single CFLA/CFE portal. The two organizations look forward to signing a…

“Ontario Library Association's President's Award for Exceptional Achievement acknowledges an outstanding action or contribution that has in a major or unique way enhanced or furthered librarianship in Ontario. The selection is at the full discretion of the President of the OLA. The award is only given if the achievement has a significant impact on the…