2022 was a year of major transition for the Library. OPL has a new Chief Librarian/CEO, the 2019-2022 term of the OPL Board ended, and the Library now has one of the strongest intellectual freedom position statements in North America. The Library remained a vital part of the community -- thanks to the people of Ottawa who support and make use of the Library.

OPL’s 2022 Annual Report was received by the OPL Board on May 9, 2023. Please read the report online for more information about the Library’s impact in 2022.

Key OPL accomplishments during 2022: 

• Updated Intellectual Freedom Position Statement
  • One of OPL’s core values is to support intellectual freedom: the free and open exchange of lawful information and ideas in a democratic society, respecting the individual’s rights to privacy and choice. 
  • To ensure transparency, the Statement outlines a new appeal process for clients seeking a second review of the Library’s decision regarding a request for reconsideration (e.g., challenging a title in the collection).
• OPL’s progress towards reconciliation
  • Seven branches were open on September 30, the new statutory holiday for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, offering programs and access to resources about the experiences of Indigenous children and youth in residential schools, and the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities.
  • To mark National Indigenous History Month, OPL offered simultaneous digital access to electronic copies of Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson.
• Ādisōke - Moving closer to the Ottawa Central Library at Ādisōke
  • The construction project reached a major milestone, the setting of the foundation of Ādisōke, in June. 
  • A new section was created on the OPL website to drive excitement, support transparency, and engage library clients and Ottawa residents with the latest news on this once-in-a-generation project.

Thank you to everyone for making 2022 another successful year at OPL!