OTTAWA – The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) Board received OPL’s 2023 Annual Report at its Board meeting yesterday. The report "A Library for Everyone" reflects that there is room for everyone’s story at OPL, and that the Library provides access to a world of ideas and supports the community in a variety of ways. This was clearly appreciated by Ottawans as 46,150 people signed up for a Library card last year, the highest number of new cardholders in a single year since 2018.

One of OPL’s core values is Inclusion, and the Library is committed to providing barrier-free access to its services. A key accomplishment in 2023 to increase inclusion and accessibility was the creation of the new Client Experience and Community Development department whose priority will be to identify community needs and service gaps as an initial step towards addressing barriers.

Sonia Bebbington, Chief Librarian and Chief Executive Officer of OPL, stated "I’m proud to lead an organization that makes a place for everyone, that believes in free access to ideas, and works to support literacy of many kinds. The strides we made last year will benefit Ottawans from all walks of life and will contribute to the Library’s vision of building community and transforming lives."

One program highlight from 2023 included the "One Book Can Change a Life" reading campaign, delivered in collaboration with Prezdential Basketball, with more than 150 youth participating. This event underscored the importance of literacy and inclusion in an environment that was fun and interactive.

OPL continued making progress towards reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples by offering the public opportunities to learn more about the impact of the residential school system. Open branches during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation distributed free copies of the book Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad and also displayed StoryWalk panels inspired by the book, as well as screened six National Film Board (NFB) films that offered insight into the trauma caused by the residential school system.

Finally, the Central branch at Ādisōke celebrated a significant construction milestone: the completion of concrete pouring of all five floors of the new facility. From high-quality literacy programs and events with local and national artists to beautiful spaces to work and study that include the latest creative technologies, this modern, accessible, and iconic facility will build, strengthen, and enrich the community and bring people together.

For details about Ottawa Public Library’s story in 2023, please see the OPL 2023 Annual Report. For current offerings and the latest information please visit the OPL website.