OPLA Lifetime Achievement Award
The OPLA Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to honour an individual who has given lifelong service to the profession and has contributed significantly to the growth and innovation of public libraries in Ontario.
Eligibility
- The selected candidate must have worked in an Ontario library for all or a substantial portion of their career.
- There is no minimum educational requirement for qualification for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- The award may be given posthumously within one year of the death of a suitable recipient.
- The selection of the candidate will be based on significant contributions in at least one of the following criteria:
- Commitment to the broader library community.
- Implementation of creative and innovative ideas that have been adopted by public libraries throughout the province.
- Positive support for the profession, as evidenced by mentoring and participating in the ongoing education of librarians and library staff or participation in professional associations.
- Evidence of having earned the respect of the profession, their colleagues and their community and being a person whose advice is sought.
Criteria
- Nominations will be accepted between: February – November
- The nominator must be a member in good standing of OLA
- The nomination package should include evidence to support the nomination, potentially including but not limited to:
- A letter of recommendation up to 500 words
- Nominee’s work history and significant positions in libraries.
- Evidence of nominee’s contributions to professional library organizations and other community organizations.
- Examples of leadership and innovations, as in special projects, new services, community partnerships, etc.
- Press clippings or other material demonstrating recognition of nominee’s impact.
Selection Process
- Nominees who are not selected may be re-nominated in subsequent years with the submission of updated documentation.
- The presentation of the award is at the discretion of the OPLA Council and is not necessarily presented on an annual basis.
Award Presentation Information
- The President of OPLA will present the award at OLA’s annual Super Conference.
- The recipient may be asked to write an article for HOOPLA about their work, the award they received, and what it has meant to them.
Past Winners:
2025 Andrea Cecchetto, Markham Public Library
2024 Elaine Bird
2023 Gayle Hall, Simcoe County Co-Operative Library
2022 Not awarded
2021 Not awarded
2020 Sheri Mishibinijima, Wikwemikong Public Library First Nation
2019 Susan Downs, Innisfil ideaLAB & Library
2018 Susanna Hubbard Krimmer, London Public Library
2017 Rudi Denham, St. Thomas Public Library
2016 Rod Sawyer, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport
2015 Sue Warren, Rideau Lakes Public Library
2014 Anne Bailey, Toronto Public Library
2013 Not awarded
2012 Ken Roberts, Hamilton Public Library
2011 Marzio Apolloni, Bruce County Public Library
2010 Stephen Nelson, Woodstock Public Library
2009 Wendy Newman, Faculty of Information Studies, University of Toronto
2008 No recipient
2007 Stan Squires, Ministry of Tourism & Culture
