The OLA’s new Strategic Plan (2025–2028) brings renewed energy and focus to all sectors of the library community — and for you as a member of OLA, it’s more than a document – it’s a roadmap for how OLA will stand beside you in the years ahead.
No matter your role, this plan speaks to the realities and challenges you face every day — and lays out practical ways to move forward.
Powering Up Advocacy
At the top of the priority list is advocacy. Through government relations and by equipping members to champion their work, OLA is mobilizing support for libraries.
With ongoing cuts to funding and staffing in Ontario’s public school libraries, the plan commits to expanding and deepening the Save Our School Libraries campaign. Expect stronger public messaging, direct engagement with policymakers, and renewed efforts to secure qualified library staff in every school.
We’re also investing in campaigns that support the growth and infrastructure of rural and First Nation Public Libraries, and creating more tools to help you become a confident advocacy leader in your community.
Because we know what you already know: libraries are not a luxury. They are the heart of our communities, schools, campuses, and workplaces.
Investing in People
The plan also emphasizes investing in people. The library sector continues to evolve quickly – with rapidly rising censorship pressures, new AI technologies, and the growing demand for digital security. Our plan commits to giving you access to relevant, practical and supportive professional learning on these issues and more.
By approaching learning through a cross-sector lens, we’ll bring multiple perspectives into those conversations – ensuring training is timely, thoughtful and connected to the challenges you’re navigating.
Building Belonging
One of the most exciting shifts ahead is how we’re working to create value and building belonging for members. Many of you work in small teams or even solo roles, so it’s easy to feel siloed. The plan commits to helping you break down those walls.
In the months ahead, OLA will launch new communities of practice – member-driven spaces to connect, collaborate and learn from each other. These communities will give you a place to exchange expertise, ask questions, and build networks across sectors. They are designed to be dynamic, responsive, and shaped by you.
Combined with expanded volunteer opportunities and stronger peer networks, these communities will make it easier than ever to feel part of something bigger.
What’s Next for OLA
Across every priority, there’s a consistent message: libraries matter, and so do you.
The needs of OLA members are woven directly into this plan – not treated as separate or secondary. Whether it’s advocacy, training, or opportunities to connect, this is a plan that’s practical, responsive and built to empower you.
In short: this is a plan that sees you – and backs you. It’s a commitment to stand with you in the challenges ahead, and to celebrate with you in the wins. Together, we’re building the future of libraries – stronger, louder, and more connected than ever.
Meet the Author
Michelle Arbuckle
Executive Director, OLA
Michelle Arbuckle is OLA’s Executive Director. Reporting to the OLA Board of Directors, Michelle’s key responsibilities are government relations, advocacy, partnership development, the implementation of the strategic plan and supporting the exceptional OLA staff team. She is an avid lifelong learner, a tea sommelier, and wants to know your astrological sign.
This article was first published in The Teaching Librarian, the official magazine of the Ontario School Library Association, and has since been adapted for the OLA blog. For more information about becoming a member, please visit our membership webpage.
