Yes, you read that right! Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is holding a free market in honour of Earth Day! On Saturday, April 20 from 11 am to 4 pm - join us in room B-125 in the basement of the Main Branch on 120 Metcalfe Street to browse a selection of clothing, shoes, jewelry, and bags at no cost...
Are you looking for an event or recurring program? See the Programs and events page.
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Published on Apr 11, 2024 (Blog Entry)
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Published on Apr 08, 2024 (Blog Entry)Canadian Children’s Book Week (CCBW) / Lire à tout vent (LATV) celebrates talented Canadian authors and illustrators, both English and French. This year CCBW/LATV takes place April 28 to May 4, 2024. This is an opportunity for children across Canada to learn about the writing process from...
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Published on Apr 03, 2024 (Blog Entry)The Ottawa Public Library and Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC) are excited to bring you Canada' s largest bilingual book club . Throughout April, public libraries across the country will participate in One eRead / Un livrel Canada, during which thousands of readers will borrow digital copies...
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Published on Apr 01, 2024 (Blog Entry)Gotcha! While our teddy bear collection remains in the land of make-believe, the magic of Ottawa Public Library is very real. April Fools' aside, we're your endless resource for adventures, dreams, and discoveries. From pages that turn you into a time traveler, to knowledge that transforms you into...
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Published on Mar 26, 2024 (Blog Entry)OPL has updated several administrative policies related to intellectual freedom, effective today, to align with the OPL Board Intellectual Freedom Position Statement approved in June 2022. Key changes at the Library include: Affirming that upholding intellectual freedom at the public library is...
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Published on Apr 02, 2024 (Policy)The Facilities Framework ( “the Framework”) allows staff to undertake analyses to identify facilities-related gaps, gather information for conducting growth studies regarding future needs, and to make decisions regarding asset management and planning. The Framework’s overarching objective is to act...
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Published on Mar 25, 2024 (Blog Entry)We have exciting news to share! The following Indigenous artists from across Canada have been selected to create artwork for Ādisōke, home of our future Central branch: Dee Barsy, Skownan First Nation, based in Winnipeg, will produce artwork for the interior Pimisi entrance. Mary Anne Barkhouse,...
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Published on Mar 18, 2024 (Blog Entry)Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and Ottawa Public Health (OPH) are partnering this spring to offer Naloxone training workshops virtually to OPL clients. According to OHP, an overdose is a life-threatening medical emergency. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects...
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Published on Mar 07, 2024 (Mediaroom)OTTAWA – Francophonie Month or le Mois de la Francophonie will captivate Ottawa throughout the month of March, celebrating the richness of the French language and culture. Ottawa Public Library (OPL) invites the French community and French speakers across the city by celebrating all month long with...
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Published on Mar 26, 2024 (Webform)
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Published on Mar 05, 2024 (Mediaroom)OTTAWA — Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of activities and programs for children and teens during this year's March Break, running from March 11-16. With a week packed full of daily online programs and special events at various branches, there’s something for...
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Published on Apr 11, 2024 (Blog Entry)The Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest for 2024 has now closed. Thank you to everyone for your submissions. We received over 600 contest entries this year. Well done! The contest judges are excited to read your submissions. Winners will be notified by email in April. Best of luck! Winners will...
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Published on Mar 05, 2024 (OPL Page)Development charges are one-time fees levied by municipalities on new residential and non-residential properties to help pay for a portion of the growth-related capital infrastructure requirements. Development charges are determined and accounted for by type of service component. Growth-related...
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Published on Mar 05, 2024 (Blog Entry)OPL offers you a view of the world and the imagination for this month's Francophonie. On Friday, March 15 at 1:30 pm, join us at the St-Laurent branch for the Autour du conte program with Marie Célie Agnant , a workshop for children aged 8 to 10 where, at the whim of their imaginations, the tale is...
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Published on Mar 09, 2024 (Blog Entry)The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is an English-language literary award to celebrate creativity and excellence in fiction by women and non-binary writers in the United States and Canada. Browse the longlist and click on each title to read a description and/or place a hold. Have a favourite among...
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Published on Feb 28, 2024 (Webform)
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Published on Feb 18, 2024 (Blog Entry)Are you ready to flaunt your support for freedom of expression and to show off your appreciation for your public library in style? Ottawa Public Library can help you with that. OPL is thrilled to announce the Freedom to Read Week T-Shirt Giveaway! These are not just any t-shirts; they're a...
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Published on Feb 15, 2024 (Blog Entry)By Sonia Bebbington, Chief Librarian and CEO It’s always meaningful to recognize Freedom to Read Week, taking place from February 18-24, 2024, with activities at Ottawa Public Library (OPL). As mentioned in an earlier blog post on the OPL website, observing this event is an important reminder for...
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Published on Feb 15, 2024 (Mediaroom)OTTAWA- With Freedom to Read Week coming up, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) has created a Book Sanctuary for challenged titles to underscore the importance of intellectual freedom. Starting today, members of the public can consult the Book Sanctuary on the OPL website and visit a display at the Main...
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Published on Feb 29, 2024 (Blog Entry)March Break is just around the corner! Join us from March 11-16 for daily online programs and even more special events in branches. Our programming is bursting with creativity and adventure; we will be offering programs for a variety of interests and age groups. Visit our programs and events page...
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Published on Feb 12, 2024 (Mediaroom)OTTAWA – For Ottawa Public Library (OPL), Freedom to Read Week, February 18 to 24, 2024, is an opportunity to underline the importance of free expression and the role of libraries in upholding the free and open exchange of lawful information and ideas in a democratic society. Freedom to Read Week,...
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Published on Feb 12, 2024 (Blog Entry)Freedom to Read Week, February 18 to 24, 2024, is an important occasion for all of us at Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and we think it might be for you too. OPL protects and promotes your right to read, think, and access a diverse range of ideas and information, all year round, encouraging curiosity...
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Published on Feb 02, 2024 (Blog Entry)Happy Black History Month everyone – to kick off the occasion we've got something exciting for you! We're thrilled to announce a giveaway of the captivating novel "Any Known Blood" by Lawrence Hill. We’re giving away 10 copies of “Any Known Blood”. On February 23, author Lawrence Hill will be at...
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Published on Feb 02, 2024 (OPL Page)
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Published on Jan 26, 2024 (Blog Entry)Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is pleased to share one of its latest community development project, in partnership with non-profit organization Prezdential Basketball, "One Book Can Change a Life" – a reading campaign, which launched in October 2023, to help ensure youth know they are welcome at the...
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Published on Jan 25, 2024 (OPL Page)Submit an offer for programming Ottawa Public Library (OPL) meets the informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of clients by providing a wide array of activities designed to meet those needs. We focus on offering programming that is literacy or literature based or that supports...
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Published on Jan 25, 2024 (Mediaroom)Ottawa, ON - Come, be a part of the celebration, and join Ottawa Public Library (OPL) in honoring the legacy and impactful contributions of the Black community locally and worldwide. The Library is hosting events and has a diverse collection of resources, which aims to explore the historical...
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Published on Jan 25, 2024 (Policy)Gift Acceptance Policy and Ethical Guidelines There is a process by which all donations are reviewed prior to acceptance. Acceptance of a gift is not final until it is approved by the OPL CEO. The CEO reserves the right to decline a gift for any reason in sole discretion, including but not limited...
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Published on Jan 23, 2024 (Blog Entry)As you g et ready to party with Ottawa Public Library (OPL) this Saturday, January 27 for Family Literacy Day you may want to engage with us online for the chance to win a hot-off-the-press copy of the latest graphic novel by Rob Justus, "Death and Sparkles 2: The Sacred Golden Cupcake ! " Answer...
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Published on Jan 31, 2024 (Blog Entry)OPL’s Véro and Stéphanie are discussing what French books you should read to keep entertained during the cold winter months. The Franco Reading Buddies Suggestions – Winter 2024 edition Stéphanie : Hi Véro! Santa Claus has come and gone, our favourite festive foods have landed on our hips and now...
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Published on Jan 18, 2024 (Mediaroom)OTTAWA- Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey of imagination? Ottawa Public Library is calling all young writers to participate in the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest , a fantastic opportunity to showcase your storytelling prowess and join a community brimming with creativity and...
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Published on Jan 17, 2024 (Blog Entry)Get ready to throw down for your favourites, Canada Reads 2024 announced their shortlist. Prepare for the heartbreak, joy, betrayal, laughter, and surprise as this year's panelists share why the book they're championing is THE BOOK we should all read. This popular nationwide Battle of the Books...
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Published on Jan 16, 2024 (Equipment)
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Published on Jan 15, 2024 (Mediaroom)OTTAWA - Family Literacy Day, on Saturday, January 27, is a fixture in the calendar year at Ottawa Public Library (OPL) ever since its creation by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999. This year's theme, "Let’s have a family party," invites families to dive into a world where stories come alive and the...
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Published on Feb 09, 2024 (Blog Entry)Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey of imagination? Ottawa Public Library is calling all young writers to participate in the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest , a fantastic opportunity to showcase your storytelling prowess and join a community brimming with creativity and passion...
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Published on Dec 22, 2023 (Blog Entry)It’s that time of year when the air is crisp, the snow might be falling (or not, we never know in Ottawa!), and Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is decking the halls with its holiday schedule. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, your coziest blanket, and let’s dive into the details! The Holiday Pause: Dec. 25...
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Published on Dec 22, 2023 (Blog Entry)2023 was a busy and exciting year for the Ādisōke project! Check out our year in review video to see the progress of the facility over the last 12 months.
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Published on Dec 19, 2023 (Blog Entry)As the end of another year approaches, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is thrilled to unveil lists of most popular books, between January 1 and December 1, 2023. This year's lists feature several genres, from gripping thrillers to heartwarming tales of resilience, ensuring there's something for every...
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Published on Dec 19, 2023 (Mediaroom)As the end of another year approaches, Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is thrilled to unveil lists of most popular books, between January 1 and December 1, 2023. This year's lists feature several genres, from gripping thrillers to heartwarming tales of resilience, ensuring there's something for every...
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Published on Dec 15, 2023 (Blog Entry)As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving is in the air, and what better way to share the joy of reading and learning than with a fun holiday book giveaway? We're talking about piles of wonderful, pristine books for youth and children waiting to find their forever homes. Participating...