First Nations Public Libraries
Public libraries on reserve serve as an accessible gathering place and information sharing resource for First Nations communities. First Nations Public Libraries (FNPLs) perform a unique role in the preservation of their communities’ memory, archiving community photos and historical information, and in revitalizing First Nations languages. Currently, there are 37 public libraries in Ontario’s 133 First Nations communities.
First Nations communities require public libraries just as much as any other community. Public libraries often serve as an accessible gathering place and information-sharing resource for many First Nations communities, where they exist.
Our Vision
Alongside First Nations Public Library leaders and the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL), the OLA works towards advocating for the implementation of a sustainable funding model for public libraries on reserve to ensure that these important local hubs are fully-funded and viable.
Resources
- Our Way Forward: A Strategic Plan for Ontario First Nation Public Libraries
- Ontario First Nations Public Libraries Needs Assessment Report, 2017
- First Nations Library Services – offered by Ontario Library Service
- First Nations Public Library Week – coordinated by Ontario Library Service
- First Nations Spring Gathering – coordinated by Ontario Library Service
- First Nations Communities Read – coordinated by Ontario Library Service
- Indigenous Matters – Information Brief 2019 – prepared by members of the Ontario Library Association Indigenous Task Group
- Collections Development Brainstorm (January 2021)
- Native and Local Collections Development Policy – Six Nations Public Library Native and Local Collections Policy
- Reciprocal Borrowing – Template Policy for Reciprocal Borrowing – Municipal and First Nations Public Library
- insideOLBA Article – First Nations Collection (2013) by Sabrina Saunders
- UBCIC Resource Centre Classification Plan
- Evaluating Childrens Books fro Anti-Aboriginal Bias
- ACCI Brian Deer Classification Plan
- A Guide for Selecting or Weeding First Nation Materials
- Ontario Library Service – North First Nation Language Portal
- Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport: First Nations Libraries and Language Resources
