Approved by the OPL Board on February 9, 2021, the Financial Framework (“the Framework”) acts as a bridge between Ottawa Public Library (OPL)’s Strategic Plans (long-term planning) and annual budget decision-making processes (short-term planning). The Framework provides parameters and guidelines to mitigate financial risk while supporting the delivery of effective, efficient, and economical library services to residents of Ottawa.

The following tenets underpin the Financial Framework and the provision of quality programs, services, and spaces to support literacy and learning.

• Ethical and fiscally responsible: OPL practices sound stewardship of public funds;
• Systematic: OPL uses annual budgets, fund balances, and grant processes to address priorities over the course of each year as well as any unanticipated opportunities or challenges that may present themselves;
• Intentional: OPL uses Board-approved strategic directions to guide the use of resources and align spending with strategic priorities and core library functions; and,
• Conscientious: OPL prioritizes efforts in making conscious choices considering the environment, leadership, partnerships, and support to customers.