About OPLA
The Ontario Public Library Association (OPLA) is a division of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) and represents librarians and library staff who work in public libraries in Ontario on issues of common concern.
Activities of OPLA include an annual conference, RA in a Day event, lobbying and advocacy, publications, continuing education, and the OPLA-L listserv for members. OPLA provides an opportunity for public librarians and public library workers in Ontario to interact at various levels in a variety of forums and facilitates activities to respond to members’ needs and concerns.
OPLA Committees
OPLA members can apply to sit on the following committees when openings occur: (usually for a 3 year term)
- Child and Youth Services Committee
- Readers’ Advisory Committee
- Community-Led Libraries Committee
- Best Bets Committee
- Research and Evaluation Committee
Kickstart to Participation
Kickstart to Participation is an exciting one-year opportunity for a recent library program graduate. Candidate must currently be working in an Ontario public library and have graduated from their library program in the past three years. The successful candidate will join the OPLA Council as a non-voting representative, yet will participate in discussions and projects that OPLA Council is undertaking that year. For more information please visit the webpage OPLA Kickstart to Participation.
PLA Grant
Biennially, OPLA offers a PLA Conference Grant to a current OPLA member to assist financially to attend the PLA (Public Library Association) conference in the United States. This grant will be offered in 2024.Â
Learn more about the PLA Conference Grant application process here.
Applicants now closed
Accepting submissions until December 8, 2023
OPLA Council FAQ
Thinking about sitting on the OPLA Council? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions.
OPLA Council



Leah Rucchetto
2025 President









Kelly Nielson
2025 Vice President



Megan Garza
Past President 2024Markham Public Library









Vacant
Councillor - Eastern Region 2023 - 2025









Vacant
Central East Region (2024 - 2025)



Melissa Robertson
Councillor 2025Orillia Public Library



Elizabeth Cameron
Councillor - West Central Region (2024 - 2026)Hamilton Public Library



Vacant
Councillor - Southwestern Region (2024 - 2026)Essex County Public Library









Jenn Sloane
Toronto Metro RegionToronto Public Library









Vacant
Councillor - Northeaster Region (2023 - 2025)









Vacant
Councillor - Northwestern Region









Carla Smith
Kickstart to Participation (2025)
Awards
James Bain Medallion
OPLA Lifetime Achievement Award
OPLA Children's or Youth Services Librarian of the Year Award
OPLA Leadership in Adult Readers' Advisory
OPLA Advocacy in Action: Excellence in Children's or Teen Services Award
Child & Youth Services Expo
The OPLA Child and Youth Services Committee presents an annual forum for children’s and youth library services staff and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and learn about innovative programs and services in order to provide the best programming for children and youth.
Thank You To Our Sponsors:


Shannon McGrady
Co-ChairÂ
Orangeville Public Library
Michael/Michelle Rogowski
Co-Chair
Cameron Ray
Toronto Public Library
Moira O’Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Kim Trusty
Toronto Public Library
Leah Perron
Bracebridge Public Library
Nicole Agar
Caledon Public Library
Serena McGovern
Barrie Public Library
Melissa Macks
OLA Staff Liaison
mmacks@accessola.com
Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors and Marketplace Exhibitors!
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We have opportunities available to sponsor or exhibit at this year’s virtual event! Download the event prospectus here.
To get in touch about sponsorship and exhibiting at the 2024 Child & Youth Expo, please contact info@gappointreach.com.
RA in a Day
RA in a Day 2026
RA in a Day is a one-day conference that brings some of the best readers’ advisory advocates together to share their knowledge and expertise on meeting the needs of readers. During the day, participants will learn about the latest RA trends and look at how to best serve those who visit our libraries every day, either in-person or virtually.
Check back for details about next year’s event!
Nominate a colleague for OPLA’s Award for Leadership in Adult Readers’ Advisory Award.
The purpose of this award is to honour excellence in readers’ advisory service to adults. Award presentation occurs at RA in a Day event.

Thank you to our event sponsor Library Bound!
 Chair: Michaela Posthumus, Bruce County Public Library
Sarah Bonish, Mississauga Public Library
Steph Topping, Niagara Falls Public Library
Jessica Cammer, Regina Public Library
Madeline Kong, Kitchener Public Library
Terry Palmer, Library Bound
Lillian Gretsinger, Mississauga Public Library
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Melissa Macks
Ontario Library Association, Staff Liaison
mmacks@accessola.com



HoOPLA
The official publication of the Ontario Public Library Association (OPLA), that describes the decisions and activities of the OPLA leadership, explains OPLA programs and provides news of interest to Ontario public library staff and supporters.