Why Ontario’s Libraries Matter
Public libraries are an essential investment in Ontario’s future, supporting school readiness, literacy development, economic and employment success, and social equity. As the knowledge economy continues to develop, public libraries help ensure that every Ontarian—regardless of location, background, or circumstance—has access to the resources, information, and opportunities needed to succeed.
Each year, more than 5 million Ontarians make hundreds of millions of in-person and online visits to their public libraries. Libraries are trusted, accessible community hubs. They provide accessible professional services, technology, programs, and resources to a more diverse range of people than any other cultural institution. Ontarians are voting with their library cards, but the demand for library services continues to grow.
Today’s public libraries are far more than books and buildings. They have a measurable impact on quality of life and community success—economically, socially, educationally, and culturally. FOPL helps ensure that decision-makers understand the value of public libraries and advocates for the support, investment, and resources needed to sustain and strengthen their impact for the benefit of Ontario residents.
Public libraries contribute to community success in many ways, including:
- Return on Investment: Many studies show that public investment in libraries delivers measurable returns through economic benefits, stronger communities, and increased capacity to attract businesses and residents.
- Economic Development: Public libraries help drive local economic growth by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to market research, business information, and resources.
- Employment Support: Libraries provide services and resources for career planning, job searching, and skills development.
- Newcomer Support: Public libraries help newcomers to Canada succeed through settlement support, language learning, accreditation assistance, employment resources, and opportunities to maintain cultural connections.
- Early Literacy Development: Libraries support reading readiness and lifelong learning through a wide range of early literacy programs for children and families.
- Education & Learning Support: Public libraries provide professional assistance, collections, and resources that support learners of all ages. From research and homework help to adult distance education and homeschooling support, libraries play an important role in lifelong learning.
- Serving the Whole Community: Public libraries are committed to equitable access, ensuring that people of all abilities, backgrounds, cultures, and languages can benefit from the resources and opportunities available in their communities.
- Digital Access & Inclusion: Libraries provide the public with free access to computers, internet connectivity, technology training, and one-on-one assistance, helping bridge digital divides so people can accomplish their goals as citizens, workers, and more.
- Access to Government Services: Libraries serve as a major access point for e-government, providing professional support, accessible locations, and technology infrastructure that help residents access information, programs, and services.
- Trusted Information & Research Support: Ontarians have important information needs and deserve access to fact-based answers—now more than ever. Libraries help people navigate complex topics, evaluate information sources, and make informed decisions on issues ranging from health and finance to education and everyday life.
- Cultural Vitality: As a cornerstone of community life, public libraries are essential to a healthy and sustainable society. They contribute to cultural participation, social inclusion, local heritage preservation, and vibrant public spaces.
- Accessible Recreation & Lifelong Learning: Libraries offer free access to books, music, movies, and programs, providing affordable opportunities for learning, exploration, and recreation that are directly tied to community needs and demand.
In short, public libraries are an essential part of community infrastructure. They support economic opportunity, lifelong learning, civic participation, and social connection while ensuring equitable access to information and services.
FOPL works to ensure that decision-makers recognize and support the critical role public libraries play in communities across Ontario. By advancing shared priorities and championing sustainable investment, we help strengthen public library services for current and future generations.