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We recommend

All of OPL’s staff recommendations in one page. You can browse the different lists based on topics, format or genres, or you can read some of the more detailed blog posts about specific items. If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can always #AskALibrarian online or in a branch!

 

Staff Blog / Books and reading

Five books to read if you enjoyed The Catcher in the Rye

By Lucy_TeenBlogger

Hi readers! Let me introduce myself… my name is Lucy, and I love to read! I’m a nerdy grade eleven...

2018 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing Shortlist

By CD_Librarian

We live in Ottawa, there will be politics. And excellent political writing, all available at the Ottawa Public Library! Here's...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Meet the GG 2015 English-Language finalists in Children's Literature!

By Feng_Library

Each year, The Governor General’s Literary Awards (the GG) honour the best Canadian English and French books in seven categories:Fiction,...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Fiction, Science Fiction

Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray --- Teen Book Review

By Megan_Library

Posted on behalf of NC TAG Member Catherine L. Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray Cross dimensional travel...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Guest Teen Blogger Post: REVIEW - Madly by Amy Alward

By Ottawa_Teens

Madly by Amy Alward is an enchanting piece of literature. Set in modern day times with a twist of the...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
All in a Day Banner

CBC All in a Day Book Panel - January 2019

By Cat_Biblio

Welcome to a new year of CBC's CBC’s All in a Day book panel. On January 7th, 2019, Ann Archer...
Staff Blog / Author visits, Books and reading, Teens

The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow --- Teen Book Review

By Ottawa_Teens

Posted on behalf of Dalia.H., Carlingwood Teen Advisory Group member. Erin Bow’s The Scorpion Rules is a new view on...
Staff Blog / Aboriginal, Books and reading
Web banner for Indigenous progams and collections. Shows the book covers of three Indigenous books.

#IndigenousReads of this Fall!

By OPL_BPO_Comms

In recent weeks, we have had the opportunity to host several Indigenous authors during two fantastic events: Bingo littéraire Kwahiatonhk...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

All American Boys - book review and #blacklivesmatter booklist

By Ottawa_Teens

All American Boys – review by Zela Eggleston, Main Branch Public Service Assistant If there was a required summer reading...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Let's talk Austen

In my last post I wrote to you all pleading to check out a literature classic. I also recommended watching...
Staff Blog / Aboriginal, Books and reading

First Nation Communities READ 2018 Selected Titles

By CD_Librarian

The Water Walker by Joanne Roberston and Seven Fallen Feathers by Tanya Talaga are the selected titles for the Indigenous...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Alternative Services Top Picks for 2016

By charmaine_library

Are you looking for something new and exciting to read, and interested in learning more about some great books with...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Fiction

Canadian Authors for Teen and Children

By Rhea_library

Canadian teen authors are so popular right now! A lot of Canadian authors often write for many ages and in...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Fiction
This image shows part of the cover for the book The English Patient

Golden Man Booker Prize goes to Michael Ondaatje

By CD_Librarian

The English Patient , by Canadian author Michael Ondaatje, won the Man Booker Prize in 1992; it was made into...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Teen Summer Reading Book of the Week: Openly Straight

By Christine_library

Rafe’s been out since the eighth grade but no longer wants to be seen as the “gay guy” at his...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
CBC's All in a Day Banner

CBC's All in a Day Book Panel - December 2018

By Cat_Biblio

On December 3rd, 2018, CBC’s All in a Day book panel, Ann Archer of the Ottawa Public Library, and Sean...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Review: Rush by Eve Silver

By Bella_TeenBlogger

Rush by Eve Silver is one of my all time favourite books. A dystopian with a raw and admirable female...
Staff Blog / Author visits, Books and reading, Science Fiction

Laura reports back on Monday's Teen Author Fest YA Other Worlds author panel

By Laura_TeenBlogger

“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” -Walter Bagehot This Monday, I once again...
This image shows part of David Chariandy's winning book cover, Brother.

David Chariandy wins Windham-Campbell Prize for his body of work

By CD_Librarian

The Windham-Campbell Prize is clearly a literary prize to watch, as both one of the largest in the world ($165,000!),...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Back to School

By Courtney_biblio

Happy Back to School Everyone! Wait a second… summer’s over already? I can’t believe that it’s already time to say...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Celebrity Book Clubs

By charmaine_library

Celebrity book clubs seem to be popping up everywhere! From literary fiction, to narrative non-fiction, to titles from new and...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, eBooks and audiobooks, Teens

7 Generations by David Robertson --- Graphic Novel Series - Teen Book Review

By Megan_Library

David Robertson's 7 Generations is an excellent Canadian teen graphic novel series. Robertson's illustrates an honest portrayal of a young...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Silly, Not-so-Spooky Halloween Books for Younger Readers

By gosbbandg

Happy Halloween! It’s the best time of the year! Whether you are a kid or a kid at heart, no...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Spring is in the Air and on the Field!

By Jessica_library

You may be already getting out your running shoes and ready to lace up for your favourite spring/summer sports. Here are a few sports-inspired novels to start your season off right.
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Science Fiction

Waiting for The Blood of Olympus? Read these!

By Rhea_library

I am so excited that the last Heroes of Olympus book has come out! It feels like I’ve been waiting...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
CBC's All in a Day Banner

CBC All in a Day Book Panel - March 2019

By Cat_Biblio

Welcome to a new year of CBC's CBC’s All in a Day book panel. On March 4th, Ann Archer of...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
CBC's All in a Day Banner

CBC All in a Day Book Panel - February 2019

By Cat_Biblio

Welcome to a new year of CBC's CBC’s All in a Day book panel. On January 7th, 2019, Ann Archer...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hess- Book Review

By Munster_Display

I do not remember putting this book on my to-read list on Goodreads, but boy am I ever glad I...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading, Fiction
Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)

Stages and Pages: Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)

By Candice_LibraryBiblio

Stages and Pages is an ongoing partnership created between the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and the Great Canadian Theatre Company...
Staff Blog / Author visits, Books and reading, Teens

Murders, Mysteries and a Rare Sea Turtle

By Laura_TeenBlogger

“Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.” - Carl Sagan Not many people can say that they’ve seen a...
Staff Blog / Fiction, Mystery and thriller

The Homebound Services Team Favourite Books of 2017

By charmaine_library

Have you ever wondered what books library staff are reading, and what types of genres they enjoy? Look no further!...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Black History Month Titles for Teens

By Christine_library

In honour of Black History Month , here's a sample of the great historical fiction reads found in the Teen...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

CBC’s All in a Day Book Panel – January 2017

By Megan_Library

During Tuesday January 3rd 2017, CBC's All In A Day Book Panel discussed ideas for 2017 winter reads. Listen in...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Big Library Read -- The Girl with the Red Balloon

By Steacy_Library

Did you enjoy the movie Atomic Blond? Are you fascinated by the complexities of the cold war and time travel?...
Staff Blog / eBooks and audiobooks, Magazines

Highlighted Online Resources

By Feng_Library

With your library card from the Ottawa Public Library, you can access amazing (and totally free!) online resources whenever and...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Books to Read in Time for the Holidays

By Rachel_TeenBlogger

A good holiday read isn't just about the setting or the timeframe. It should evoke that sense of merriment: warm...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Fiction

Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

By charmaine_library

When it comes to summer reading, I am on the lookout for unforgettable and scandalous titles, appropriate for beaches or...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
All in a Day Banner

CBC's All in a Day Book Panel - September 2018

By Cat_Biblio

On September 4th, 2018, CBC’s All in a Day book panel, Sean Wilson of the Ottawa Writers’ Festival and Ann...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Books that I would like to see adapted into movies

By Jenna_TeenBlogger

One of my favourite books, Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon, recently came out as a movie and I can’t wait...
Staff Blog / Books and reading
Cover of Lock and Key by Ridley Pearson

Sherlock Holmes Mystery Fiction for Children

By laurac

People have been fascinated with Sherlock Holmes since the first story A Study in Scarlet , was written by Arthur...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

V.S. Naipaul - Nobel Laureate - dies at 85

By CD_Librarian

V.S. Naipaul died August 11, 2018 in his home in London. A revered and controversial figure in the world of...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
CBC's All in a Day Banner

CBC All in a Day Book Panel - April 2019

By Cat_Biblio

Welcome to a new year of CBC's CBC’s All in a Day book panel. On April 1st, Ann Archer of...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

By Etta_TeenBlogger

Hello, teen OPL blog readers! I hope you’ve been having a good week. Oh wait… back to school was two...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens
from inside the comic, a person huddled up in a tree root

Lookouts - the next must-read comic

By Candice_LibraryBiblio

If you love Lumberjanes , Dungeons and Dragons, and or awesome comic books, oh man do I have the next...
Staff Blog / Author visits, Books and reading, Writing and poetry

Holly Bodger’s 5 To 1: a book review, and an upcoming Teen Author Fest event at the Carlingwood Library

By Ottawa_Teens

It's the year 2054 in an alternate Indian society where women are worshipped and five boys for every one girl...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Canada 150, Teens

WINNER – Battle of the Books 2017

By Ottawa_Teens

We had quite a summer with the 2017 Battle of the Books, after weeks of competition, including a few nail...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

The Recipe Box by Viola Shipman --- Adult Fiction Book Review

By Megan_Library

This heartwarming novel pulls on all your heart stings the more you dive into the story line. Viola Shipman’s The...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, eBooks and audiobooks, Fiction

Hazeldean Staff’s Top Picks for 2018

By charmaine_library

Have you ever been curious as to what books your library staff are reading? Wonder no more! Staff from the...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Review: Life on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

By Liliane_TeenBlogger

Have you ever read a story told in the form of post-it notes? It’s such a great idea that is...
Staff Blog / Computers and technology

Clicking, Flicking, and Tweeting at Richmond Branch

By Richmondbranch_library

You are an interesting, unique person who grows every year. Over time, your ideas and opinions change. You make and...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Upcoming teen book-to-screen adaptations

By Christine_library

Have you heard about these recent announcements of teen book-to-screen adaptations? Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange series has been optioned by...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

The Power of Words: "The Book Thief" Review

By Laura_TeenBlogger

My task which I am trying to achieve is, by the power of the written word, to make you hear,...
This is an image of a Patrick Lane book display at one of OPL's branches.

Patrick Lane, Beloved Canadian Poet 1939-2019

By CD_Librarian

Patrick Lane's life was filled with poetry, gardens, addictions, and past trauma. He lived hard, loved hard, and wrote from...

Paterson by Jim Jarmusch

By Chris_biblio

A week in the life of Paterson, of Paterson, New Jersey, a bus driving poet whose favorite book is the...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Fiction, General fiction
A Quick Bite By Lynsay Sands Cover Image

Paranormal Romance Recommendations: Vampire Books

By kim_biblio

He’s a 1980s punk-rock vampire who’s given up the will to live... She’s a newly-turned paleontologist who has just made...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, eBooks and audiobooks, Historical fiction

2018 Audie Awards

By charmaine_library

On May 31, the 2018 Audie Award winners were announced. The Audie Awards are given by the Audio Publishers Association...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

By Marwa_TeenBlogger

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to change the way you look? To be able to finally...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Science Fiction

Book Review: Terra Prime series, by Phillipe Okagi

By kim_biblio

This book is available in French only. If you’ve never set foot on Earth, are you an Earthling? In the...
Staff Blog / Books and reading
CBC's All in a Day Banner

CBC's All in a Day Book Panel - July 2018

By Cat_Biblio

On July 3rd, 2018, CBC’s All in a Day book panel, Sean Wilson of the Ottawa Writers’ Festival and Ann...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
All in a Day Banner

CBC's All in a Day Book Panel - August 2018

By Cat_Biblio

On September 4th, 2018, CBC’s All in a Day book panel, Sean Wilson of the Ottawa Writers’ Festival and Ann...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

REVIEW: The Survival Guide to Bullying by Aija Mayrock

By Laura_TeenBlogger

“Things will get easier, people’s minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.” Ellen DeGeneres They lurk...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Fiction, Stages and Pages
Bed and Breakfast logo

Stages and Pages: Bed and Breakfast

By Shayna_library

Stages and Pages is an ongoing partnership created between the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and the Great Canadian Theatre Company...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Do you remember “Choose Your Own Adventure” books?

By Carrie_library

We’ve got loads of options, for adults and children alike! For kids or for an adult stroll down memory lane,...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Governor General Lit Awards 2018: Winners in English!

By CD_Librarian

The Red Word by Sarah Henstra wins the GG Fiction Award - over some heavy hitters in the Canlit field...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Fiction, Historical fiction

“The 10 hottest books published monthly, as voted by library staff across Canada”

By charmaine_library

What new titles are library staff most looking forward to sharing? If you are curious about what titles we think...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

REVIEW: The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and a Farewell from Laura

By Laura_TeenBlogger

“Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real.” Cormac McCarthy I am sad to say...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

My favourite romantic, short, fun summer reads

By Rachel_TeenBlogger

Since the weather is kind of all over the place at the moment, I thought I’d cheer us all up...
Staff Blog / Books and reading
CHICKEN CLICKING

A new picture book about Internet safety

By Feng_Library

Every night a little chicken sneaks into farmer’s home to access his computer to order things. “She bought a hundred...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Review: The Rest of Us Just Live Here

By Bella_TeenBlogger

Ever wondered what it would be like to be the “Chosen One” in some of the books you read? What...
Staff Blog / Aboriginal

From Sea to Sea to Sea - Celebrating Indigenous Children's Books 

By Collection_Development

From Sea to Sea to Sea- Indigenous Children's books collection was compiled by IBBY (the International Board on Books for...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

My Favourite Authors (and a Farewell to my readers)

By Jenna_TeenBlogger

First things first, this is my final post as an OPLTeen Blogger in Residence! I just want to thank everyone...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Teen Graphic Novels - Honey So Sweet by Amu Meguro

By Megan_Library

In my lifetime I have only read a handful of comic books/graphic novels. To get in the spirit of Ottawa’s...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

2018 OPL Favourites

By OttawaReads

Browsing the “Best of 2018” lists is a fun way to reminisce about the waning year. Members from the Reader's...
Staff Blog / Teens

Holiday Reading List of 2018

By Collection_Development

Are you looking for reading--or listening!--suggestions for this holiday season? Here are some lists of new and favorite titles put...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Nancy Drew mysteries by Carolyn Keene

By Etta_TeenBlogger

Nancy Drew mysteries are great, but not because they’re really detailed, up-to-date, or have wonderful fancy covers. But I do...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

The Perfect Summer Reads

By Jenna_TeenBlogger

Although it definitely doesn’t seem like it, summer is fast approaching and I couldn’t be more excited. I can’t wait...
This image is of drops of blood with opened books inside each.

APRIL FOOL'S - Reading – it’s in your blood!

By OPL_BPO_Comms

It is no secret that books are our life blood here at OPL and this is clearly true for the...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Biography, Books and reading
Logo de la Journée internationale des femmes

International Women’s Day, March 8, 2018

By charmaine_library

Maya Angelou, in 1978, wrote her famous poem, Phenomenal Woman . The stanza of this poem is: “I say, It’s...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Snow, snow, and even more snow! Winter activities and winter reads for teens.

By Christine_library

Have you heard about Winterblast Weekend? It is happening next weekend (Friday, February 15 to Monday, February 18) and it...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Best reads of 2018

By Rosemary_RMlibrary

Holiday reading time is almost here, so the staff at Richmond and North Gower branches have chosen a few of...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Delilah Dirk: International Mistress of Swordsmanship (and Your New Hero)

By Sophie_Library

You may recently have seen the news (trending, of course), that Disney is interested in making a live-action movie franchise...
Staff Blog / Books and reading
Bannière Prix littéraires du Gouverneur général

Meet the 2018 GG Books Winners

By Feng_Library

On October 30th, The Canada Council for the Arts announced the Winners of the 2018 GG books Awards. The winners...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Language learning, Parenting

School Survival Skills

By JessicaGma

By Kirsten at Greenboro Going back to school, or going to school for the very first time, can be a...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading, Writing and poetry

An Awesome Article by Sarah Dessen

By Candice_LibraryBiblio

On May 5th, Sarah Dessen released her 12th book, Saint Anything . You can read my review of it here...
Staff Blog / Books and reading

Esi Edugyan wins 2018 Giller for Washington Black

By CD_Librarian

Highly acclaimed internationally, Washington Black scores the biggest Canadian literary prize for Edugyan! Her last novel Half-Blood Blues won the...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Teens

Review: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

By Liliane_TeenBlogger

“ We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought .” One...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading, Fiction
Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)

Stages and Pages: Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells)

By Candice_LibraryBiblio

Stages and Pages is an ongoing partnership created between the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and the Great Canadian Theatre Company...
Staff Blog / Arts and culture, Books and reading
CBC's All in a Day Banner

CBC All in a Day Book Panel - April 2019

By Cat_Biblio

Welcome to a new year of CBC's CBC’s All in a Day book panel. On April 1st, Ann Archer of...
Staff Blog / Books and reading, Fiction
LeCombatnationaldeslivres

Le Combat national des livres 2019

By OPL_BPO_Zoe

Voici les titres du Combat national des livres 2019 du bimestriel des librairies indépendantes, Les libraires en partenariat avec Radio-Canada!...

2018 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing Shortlist

By CD_Librarian

We live in Ottawa, there will be politics. And excellent political writing, all available at the Ottawa Public Library! Here's...