Last week may have been a short week, but it was definitely a full one! We had a flurry of meetings — our Health, Library Boards, Public Library, and Francophone Councils all gathered to move their fall projects forward. I’m so grateful to our council volunteers for the time and ideas they bring to OLA — these meetings always leave me inspired about where the association is headed.
One of the things I love most about this role is that I get to spend a lot of time learning from other library leaders — both close to home and across the world. Last week, I attended the IFLA Metropolitan Libraries Section Conference, hosted right here by the Toronto Public Library. The program focused on how libraries can help combat social isolation and support healthy democracies — two topics that feel more important than ever.
The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is excited to share that the Ontario Government is investing an additional $78,000 into the Internet Connectivity Grant. With this increase, all First Nation Public Libraries (FNPLs) and additional rural libraries will now have full support to maintain high-speed internet service for their communities. This funding increase will fully reimburse the costs of providing public internet access at an additional 30 libraries.
Last week, OLA President Matthew Rohweder and I hosted our fall Town Hall — a chance to connect with members across the province and share what’s happening at OLA right now (and what’s coming next).
Super Conference 2026: We Persist
Matt kicked things off with some exciting Super Conference news — we’re officially 115 days away from our 125th Super Conference, and this year’s theme, We Persist, could not be more fitting.
One thing I’ve learned in this job? Being Executive Director means a lot of meetings. And honestly, I don’t mind. Each one connects OLA to different parts of the library and nonprofit world, and those conversations are what keep our work moving forward.
It’s been another full and inspiring week at OLA!
Library Month Planning
As we head into Library Month, I can’t wait to share more about the celebrations and advocacy opportunities we’re putting together. It’s always such a highlight on our calendar — a chance to showcase the impact of libraries across the province and connect with the communities who love them. Stay tuned for details coming very soon.
It continues to be a lively September here at OLA, so here’s your peek behind the curtain at what’s been happening:
Council Meetings
Six of seven of OLA’s councils met last week to kick off their fall work – with OLBA meeting this week. They reviewed updated terms of reference (we’re keeping governance strong and clear!), talked through this year’s election cycle and award nominations, and continued the always-fun work of choosing their Super Conference Spotlight Speakers.
The Ontario Library Association (OLA)’s new Strategic Plan (2025–2028) brings renewed energy and focus to the entire library sector — and for members of the Ontario School Library Association (OSLA), it’s a meaningful call to action. Whether you’re a teacher-librarian or library technician, this plan speaks directly to the challenges you’re facing — and offers a path forward.
Big week at OLA! The Board is meeting, and all seven of our Councils are pulling up their chairs to plan out their Fall/Winter priorities. On the Board side, we’re also deep in the governance weeds—reviewing policies on executive roles, succession planning, and updating terms of reference for councils and committees. Not flashy stuff, but it’s the scaffolding that keeps OLA standing tall.
Welcome to the new OLA blog. Everything old is new again!
If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at the Ontario Library Association—between Super Conferences, Forest of Reading Festivals, statements, committee meetings, and everything else—we’ve created this space for exactly that.
