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)

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. 

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

Leah Rucchetto

2025 President

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Kelly Nielson

2025 Vice President

Megan Garza

Past President 2024
Markham Public Library

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Vacant

Councillor - Eastern Region 2023 - 2025

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Vacant

Central East Region (2024 - 2025)

Melissa Robertson

Melissa Robertson

Councillor 2025
Orillia Public Library

Elizabeth Cameron

Elizabeth Cameron

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

Grant Munroe

Vacant

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

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Jenn Sloane

Toronto Metro Region
Toronto Public Library

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Vacant

Councillor - Northeaster Region (2023 - 2025)

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Vacant

Councillor - Northwestern Region

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Carla Smith

Kickstart to Participation (2025)

Awards

Child & Youth Services Expo

Currently, there are no events planned. Please check back later.

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.

Child and Youth EXPO program to be announced in August 2025.

Thank You To Our Sponsors:

Shannon McGrady
Co-Chair 
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

Committee Terms of Reference

Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors and Marketplace Exhibitors!

Library Bound logo
      

 

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.

View information on eligibility and nomination procedures

View past recipients

Submit Nomination

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

 

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.