The Ontario Public Library Association is a division of the Ontario Library Association. Over 1300 of your colleagues already belong to OPLA, but we need more newcomers. OPLA wants your ideas, enthusiasm, and skills to continue to build a network to support you as a professional.

OPLA is an organization that thrives on the strengths of its members. We welcome potential members who have valuable skills to share. To encourage the membership of public librarians and library technicians from across the province of Ontario, from the reference desk to the board table, OPLA is excited to announce the “Kickstart” initiative to sponsor one newer graduate from a recognized library program with up to 3 years of public library experience in Ontario.

It could be you!

Submit your nomination

How Will Kickstart Support You As A Professional?

Kickstart to Participation will provide you with valuable professional development opportunities.

You will be where the public library leaders are, where decisions are made and action happens. This is a mentoring program that will make a difference in your career and bring a fresh perspective to OPLA Council.

Through the program, the successful Kickstart Participant will receive:

• a one year membership in OLA including all its benefits and privileges
• a $100 OLA education credit that can be used towards an Education Institute event or a day at Super Conference

As the successful candidate, you will participate in OPLA council meetings as a non-voting member and have the opportunity to be mentored by the OPLA Past President. OPLA meets virtually for most of the meetings. The successful candidate will be introduced at the OPLA AGM and at the OLA Super Conference to the general membership.

To share your experience in the Kickstart program, OPLA may ask that you write an article for the OPLA electronic newsletter Ho-OPLA. Kickstart is a program that can make a difference in your career.

How Can You Get Involved?

Anyone employed in an Ontario public library and a recent graduate of a recognized library program (Graduated in the last three years) is encouraged to enter. Submit the online form by November 15.

The OPLA Council will make the selection from the eligible entries and the successful candidate will be introduced at the OPLA AGM at Super Conference.

“Kickstart to Participation” is a two year term running from January 1st – December 31st. The successful candidate is required to join at least 50% of the council meetings.

The successful candidate will be introduced at the OPLA AGM at the OLA Super Conference to the general membership.

Kickstart Candidates

 2023/2024 – Stephanie Babcock

2021/2022- Danielle Bettridge

2019/2020 – Melanie Ware

2018 – Jennifer Murley, Collingwood Public Library
2017 – Holly Barclay, Cobourg Public Library
2015 – Sarah McDonald, Oxford County Library
2014 – Jeff Bennett, Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library
2013 – Andrea Siemens, Cambridge Libraries
2012 – Erin Kent, Toronto Public Library
2011 – Chantale Boileau, Orillia Public Library