OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is pleased to announce a recent gift from Crabtree Foundation of half a million dollars, bringing its total cumulative contribution to $1 million. This represents a significant milestone in philanthropic support for OPL’s Unlock Potential Campaign for the new Central branch at Ādisōke.
“We are deeply grateful to Crabtree Foundation for their continued generosity and their vision for access of all forms,” said Sonia Bebbington, CEO and Chief Librarian of OPL. “This milestone gift strengthens our ability to ensure that everyone, regardless of circumstance, can benefit from the technology, resources, and learning opportunities available at the new Central branch at Ādisōke.”
The Foundation’s most recent $500,000 contribution focuses on expanding access to digital technology at Ādisōke. For many Ottawans, public libraries remain a primary, and in some cases, only, point of access to digital technology. This contribution will support digital literacy, lifelong learning, and community connection through improved access to devices and learning technologies, including low-barrier workstations, borrowable laptops, and age-appropriate educational tools for children and youth programming.
This marks the Foundation’s third gift to the campaign and reflects a sustained commitment to advancing equitable access to information, knowledge, and technology for residents of Ottawa. A portion of the Foundation’s previous contribution honours the legacy of Dorothy L. Davidson, an avid OPL client into her nineties, and supports accessible collection formats, including large-print resources and other formats that enable individuals with visual impairments to continue to enjoy reading independently.
Crabtree Foundation’s cumulative support underscores a shared commitment to inclusion, innovation, and lifelong learning through public library services. Their contributions will have a significant and lasting impact.
About Ottawa Public Library
Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is the largest bilingual public library system in North America, serving communities across Ottawa through a network of 33 branches, mobile services, and digital platforms. OPL offers a broad range of collections, programs, spaces, tools, and expertise that inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people.
Visit our website at BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Contact us at 613-580-2940 or InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.
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About the Unlock Potential Campaign
The Unlock Potential Campaign supports the development of the new Central branch at Ādisōke, a joint facility between OPL and Library and Archives Canada. The campaign aims to expand access to knowledge, culture, and technology for all residents of Ottawa and for visitors from across Canada and beyond.
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