This busy branch is situated close to the Bank Street corridor, in a diverse neighbourhood that is home to many new Canadians. Nestled in an established residential area with many schools nearby, the Alta Vista branch is known for its dynamic children's programs, making it the local family destination for learning and fun!

Branch manager: Tony Westenbroek (tony.westenbroek[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The hub of the 33-branch OPL system, the Main Library is the largest library in the system, with the greatest selection of material of all kinds and the most public access Internet stations in the city. Located downtown in the heart of the business and government communities, the Main Library is the place for reference services, including the Ottawa Room, which holds an extensive collection of local historical documents.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Ottawa Room

The Ottawa Room is a treasure trove of Ottawa’s past, providing a centralized information resource about Ottawa and the surrounding area, both past and present, plus a large collection of municipal documents, (including all current and past city by-laws).  Click here for more information.

Branch manager: Line Gravelle (line.gravelle[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

People in the Kanata area can count on excellent library service from the Beaverbrook branch, thanks to the dedicated staff. The enthusiastic children's staff keeps things interesting for the kids, while adults can rely on quality, personal service throughout the branch. The Beaverbrook branch features a stained glass window designed and produced by Beaverbrook library patrons - a colourful reminder of the community spirit that lives in the branch.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Linda Standing (Linda.Standing[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Cumberland branch is a key part of a multi-purpose community centre, including a pool, an arena and a fitness centre. This beautiful new library features a computer and Internet training room as well as a unique local history collection maintained by the Cumberland Historical Society. The Friends of the Cumberland Branch run a second-hand bookstore, The Bookworm.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2.

Philip Robert(Philip.Robert[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

History naturally comes alive and the community is involved at the Carp branch - the Library is located in a former Canadian Forces base building at the site of the Diefenbunker Cold War Museum! The Huntley Township Historical Society is available by appointment to offer help with genealogical projects, and the West Carleton Garden Club maintains a Reading Garden - a peaceful oasis to enjoy some great literature checked out from the Ottawa Public Library.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (Josephine.Norton[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Blackburn Hamlet branch is conveniently located in the Common Shopping Plaza. The branch first opened in the Glen Ogilvie School in 1973 and moved to various locations before settling in at its present location. The community of Blackburn Hamlet is surrounded by the greenbelt, providing residents with abundant hiking and skiing trails.

Branch manager: Cathy Seaman (Catherine.Seaman[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Located just off Carling Avenue, the Carlingwood branch is conveniently located to shopping and a major bus route. The branch features a bright and airy feel spread over three floors. A bustling children's department greets visitors on the ground floor and adds to the vital atmosphere.

Branch manager: Ann Archer (ann.archer[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Designed by architect Hans Stutz, this octagonal-shaped library opened in October 1967. The original 1,900 square foot building has undergone two octagonal additions, in 1970 and 1974, adding a meeting room and basement to the Library.

The Centennial branch has a long-standing commitment to providing quality children's programs and one of the longest running adult book clubs in the system.

Branch manager: Deborah Dearham (Deborah.Dearham[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Get your family out for activities at the community centre and visit the Library all at the same time! Located in the Constance and Buckham's Bay Community Centre, the branch is at the centre of community life, surrounded by indoor and outdoor activities. Check out a book, surf the web using the high-speed connection, or request items from across the OPL system through the online catalogue. Situated close to the beautiful Ottawa River and abundant nature.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (Josephine.Norton[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Elmvale Acres branch offers a full range of programs for children and also has meeting room space. Located in the shopping centre, the branch has easy access to OC Transpo buses. The branch opened in 1963, but has relocated twice within the shopping centre. It has been at its present location since 1989.

Branch manager: Ann Archer (Inta.Douglas[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Conveniently located right in a shopping mall, the Emerald Plaza branch has a wide selection of popular titles. This bustling branch is the most visited among branches of comparable size; what keeps people coming back is the friendly staff and the personal touch offered by a neighbourhood branch.

Branch manager: Deborah Dearham (deborah.dearham[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Attached to the community centre and with easy access to summer and winter sports, the Fitzroy Harbour branch is the place to pick up the latest bestseller, or check your e-mail using the OPL's high-speed connection. Located near the centre of the village, the branch features access to the entire OPL collection through the online catalogue and friendly hometown service.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (Josephine.Norton[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Greely branch is a rural library with all the amenities of any urban branch - high-speed Internet and access to the entire collection of the OPL through the online catalogue. The same spirit and dedication shown by a determined group of local residents who brought the library to Greely in the 1970s is alive today at the Greely branch of the OPL. In 2011, the branch moved into its new home, built thanks to the government’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (Josephine.Norton[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The new district library and improvements to the adjacent Greenboro Community Centre, provide a multitude of library, learning and recreational services in a single complex conveniently located in the heart of the community.

The Features

• A community library for more than 50,000 residents of south Ottawa
• A district library for 150,000 residents that complements community branches with an enhanced level of library service for the larger district of south Ottawa
• A shared facility with the Greenboro Community Centre, linked by an indoor street
• A functional and attractive design with 29,000 square feet on two floors
• An opening day collection of over 100,000 items, growing to 150,000 items within two years
• Two meeting rooms and a Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) used book store

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Branch manager: Tony Westenbroek (Tony.Westenbroek[@]BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca)

Serving the community of Glen Cairn, the branch features a wonderful mural in the children's department painted by Carol Lang Beck, and a large hanging quilt conceived by local artist Angela Kilby and produced by the members of the Glen Cairn Senior's Group. A vibrant children's program and a strong multilingual collection featuring adult and children's Chinese material are highlights of the Hazeldean branch.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Branch manager: Linda Standing (Linda.Standing[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Located on Long Island, the Manotick branch is supported by an active group of volunteers who help maintain and beautify the grounds. A meeting room to accommodate 40 people is available, as well as the full resources of the OPL through the online catalogue. Manotick has a long history of excellent library service and the present day branch is no exception.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (josephine.norton[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Metcalfe branch began life in the backroom of the township hall in 1968. Since then it has added resources available through the OPL's online catalogue and high-speed Internet access. The Metcalfe branch is now located in a renovated building next to Osgoode Township High School.

Josephine Norton (josephine.norton[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Munster branch is uniquely housed in the heritage building of the former St. Stephen's Anglican Church and was built in the "Gothic Revival" style in 1886. The stained glass east window, donated by the church's Young People's Association in 1927, still graces the library's reference area. Enthusiastic staff and volunteers deliver modern library services in this vintage library.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (josephine.norton[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

A large children's department hosts popular programs for kids from babies to teens. A spacious reference department specializes in Genealogy.

Nepean Centrepointe continues to offer a dedicated workstation for Business owners. Previously known as the Ontario Business Connects (OBC) terminal, the ServiceOntario Gateway for Business Workstation is a free, accessible, & convenient service for local Business Owners.

The branch is located in the Ben Franklin Place complex.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Branch manager: Deborah Dearham (deborah.dearham[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The North Gloucester Branch is well equipped with two meeting rooms, large fiction and non-fiction collections, and a very pleasant children's area. Opened in 1997, the branch is a community destination located adjacent to an arena, a wave pool, a high school and shopping.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Branch manager: Cathy Seaman (catherine.seaman[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

This active rural library features a large, colourful mural created by local artists, who also host an artist-of-the-month exhibit. The branch is located in the heart of the village and is attached to the Rideau archives.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (josephine.norton[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Orléans branch is the home to many popular bilingual children's programs. The branch features a quiet study area and a large French-language collection. The Friends of the Orleans[V3] Branch run a second-hand bookstore, Encore.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012..

Branch manager: Cathy Seaman (catherine.seaman[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Through numerous moves within the community, the Osgoode branch continues to offer the best in friendly, personal service to its clients, along with the full resources of the OPL. The Osgoode Library was built with community spirit in 1990 and has a long history of support from the community since its beginnings in 1925.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (Josephine.Norton[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Richmond branch delivers friendly, personal service and the full resources of the OPL through the online catalogue to the surrounding rural area. The branch is set in a beautiful grove of mature trees, right in the centre of the community. Every fall, Richmond plays host to Ontario's oldest agricultural fair.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (josephine.norton[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Rideau branch has the atmosphere of a heritage library with all the modern conveniences. One of the older libraries in the city, the Rideau branch is close to shopping and restaurants in the Byward Market and the Rideau Street corridor. The branch was opened in 1934 by former Prime Minister Sir Robert Borden and has maintained its old world charm.

Branch manager: Philip Robert (philip.robert[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Set back off the street in a lovely park, the Rockcliffe Park branch is the home of two special collections: an art book collection funded by Margaret Bailey and a science collection funded by Michael Potter. This neighbourhood library has a quiet and dignified ambiance, making it a pleasure to visit.

Branch manager: Philip Robert (philip.robert[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The original West Library of the OPL, Rosemount stands as the oldest library in Ottawa. Large windows illuminate a beautiful heritage library; an original Carnegie Library, Rosemount has all the modern features in an old-world setting. Close to schools, the Library is the destination for homework resources.

Branch manager: Ann Archer (ann.archer[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

This branch is named after the first chair of the Nepean Public Library. The branch is unique in that it shares space with the Walter Baker Sports Centre and John McCrae Secondary School. This very child-friendly branch boasts a spacious children's section and is the centre of a vibrant, growing community.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Branch manager: Tony Westenbroek (Tony.Westenbroek[@]BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca)

A community centre library, the St. Laurent branch is part of the Don Gamble Community Centre. The complex includes a pool, arena and meeting facilities. The St. Laurent branch collection has a large number of French-language items and a vibrant children's department, all in a bright and airy atmosphere.

Branch manager: Cathy Seaman (catherine.seaman[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The cozy couches and comfy chairs surrounding an inviting fireplace are some of the attractions at the Stittsville branch. In addition, a separate, quiet study area makes it a homework and research-friendly branch.

*Branch is closed Sundays from June 10 to September 2, 2012.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (josephine.norton[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

This well-loved branch is located on a busy stretch of Bank Street in the heart of a very active and community-spirited residential area. Overlooking the Rideau Canal, it features a lovely flower garden in the summer and easy access to skating in the winter. The busy children's department features a full range of programs.

Branch manager: Ann Archer (ann.archer[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

Surrounded by beautiful mature maple trees, the Vanier branch is housed in a two-storey heritage building. Serving the area's mainly francophone community with friendly, efficient service, the Vanier branch offers complete library service to the community.

Branch manager: Philip Robert (philip.robert[at]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Vernon branch makes its home in an 1882 heritage building that was the community's one-room schoolhouse. Today, this community library is connected to the OPL's online catalogue, giving the people of Vernon access to a wide range of library resources.

Branch manager: Josephine Norton (Josephine.Norton[@]biblioottawalibrary.ca)

The Ottawa Room is a treasure trove of Ottawa’s past, providing a centralized information resource about Ottawa and the surrounding area, both past and present, plus a large collection of municipal documents, (including all current and past city by-laws).  Click here for more information.

Brian Silcoff

email: brian.silcoff[at]BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca