Public Library Issues
Public libraries are consistently ranked within the top three services a community values most. Yet, their value and complexity of relevant services are not always understood. Included in this section are backgrounders, briefs, and resources to support awareness and development of public library services and issues.
OLA's Recommendations for Public Library Funding
The Ontario Library Association, with the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL), submit recommendations as part of Ontario’s annual pre-budget consultation process.
- You can read the latest Library Pre-Budget Submissions here.
- For up-to-date information on all OLA’s government relations efforts, visit Government Consultations and Letters.
Advocate for Your Public Library
Download the Value of Public Libraries Postcard (Bilingual 2022) or create your own using our template on Canva to create your own Value of Public Libraries Postcard.
Fines Free Libraries (2022)
Public libraries have traditionally collected fines for library items that are returned after the due date and have charged replacement fees for items that have been lost or damaged. Library fines were previously considered a deterrent to late returns, damage, or loss of items. However, fines can also be a significant barrier which prevents users from accessing the resources of a public library and doesn’t necessarily act as the intended deterrent. Learn about how to become a fines-free library.
OLA Advocacy Resources and Information Briefs
Advocacy Resources
- Public Library Governance Postcard (Bilingual 2022)
- Value of Public Libraries Postcard (Bilingual 2022)
- Value of Public Libraries Postcard (Bilingual 2019)
- Public Libraries Brief (English 2019)
Information Briefs
- Equitable Access for People who Have a Print Disability (Updated 2016)
- E-resources (Updated 2019)
- First Nation Public Libraries Fact Sheet (Updated 2016)
- Indigenous Matters (Updated 2020)
- Newcomers to Canada and Public Libraries (Updated 2018)
- Opioids, Naloxone and your local Public Libraries (Updated 2018)
- Public Libraries and the Self Service Model (Updated 2017)
- Rural Public Libraries Brief (Updated 2014)
Watch: Ontario Hubs: Our Changing Libraries (2019)
How are Ontario’s public libraries evolving to meet a changing society and a digital age? Check out The Agenda’s spotlight on public libraries: “Ontario Hubs: Our Changing Libraries”
Library Impact Ontario
