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 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. 

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.