OTTAWA – Every March, people around the world celebrate the Month of La Francophonie, culminating in International Francophonie Day on March 20. The Ottawa Public Library (OPL), which boasts nearly 75,000 works in its French language collection, is joining in the fun with a program packed full of events celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of Francophone culture, in Canada and abroad.

Meet-and-greets with Francophone authors

When better to launch a brand-new initiative than during the Month of La Francophonie? In March 2026, OPL is kicking off a yearlong series of meet-and-greets with height Francophone authors. These meet-and-greet happy hours will offer an intimate setting for friendly chats about culture and literature.

This initiative aims to spotlight Francophone authors here and elsewhere in Canada and foster dialogue between writers, their readers and members of the Francophone community.

We’d be so happy to have you at our inaugural happy hour:

Wednesday, March 11, at 7 pm, at the Orléans branch — Montréal-based author Sophie Laurin will discuss the novel as a literary genre through the lens of her own work, with a special focus on her newest release, On le dira pas à nos enfants (2025).

Watch films in French

Cinephiles rejoice! All month-long in March, French films will be screened in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada at multiple OPL branches. Check out the program list and happy screening!

French reading and programs

For the month of March, OPL branches will be displaying a wide range of French-language titles. Visit your local branch to borrow Francophone books, read in French with your kids or even improve your French speaking skills through conversation workshops at several OPL branches. There are also many other French-language all-ages programs offered yearlong at OPL branches.

Learn more about the Month of La Francophonie and French programs by visiting biblioottawalibrary.ca.