The 2026 Operating and Capital Budget was approved by the Ottawa Public Library Board on December 2 and by City Council on December 10.

The 2026 budget has a total envelope of $69.220M and includes funding for operating and capital activities, an increase of $5.390M over 2025

Key priorities for 2026 include:

• Ensuring collections keep pace with client demand, cost increases, and growth.
• Expanding hours to include Sundays year-round at existing service points.
• Establishing a branch to serve the Old Hunt Club community.
• Continued planning and operationalization of the Central branch at Ādisōke.