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.

Download the Public Library Governance Postcard (Bilingual 2022)

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)

Learn More

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

Library Impact Ontario brings together data analytics, relevant resources and advocacy to help demonstrate public library value. We are a collective of libraries working together for a common goal, leveraging data to ensure responsive, adaptable and thriving libraries for everyone. We offer a suite of free services including Bridge data solution platform and Data Literacy, Learning and Support networking workshops to support Ontario public libraries. Bridge is a practical and automated solution for library data. It is a first of its kind innovative outcome measurement platform that empowers libraries by collecting, assessing and visualizing technology data through surveys, data dashboards and reports.

Watch the promotional video, or visit www.tpl.ca/impact to learn more.