OTTAWA – City Council has approved the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) 2024 budget of $61.115M, which includes funding for operating and capital activities, an increase of $2.37M over 2023.
OPL Board Chair and Councillor for Orléans East-Cumberland ward Matthew Luloff said: "This budget is good news for Ottawa residents. It will help OPL enhance the client experience and provide staff capacity for both current needs and future growth."
The 2024 budget was developed in line with City Council direction issued in September 2023, with no more than 2.5% increase to the budget. Key investments that will help OPL increase access to Library services and reduce barriers include:
- $1.5M towards the construction of a new branch in Barrhaven to help better deliver Library programs and services to this growing area of the city.
- Funding for positions for some of the new initiatives and services to be offered at the Central branch at Ādisōke.
- A transfer of funds to the Library Reserve specifically designed for future human resource requirements.
- Funding to add mobile security services in response to ongoing pressures.
The budget also revises user fees in a manner that is equitable and fair to taxpayers, and in accordance with cost recovery principles.
OPL’s Chief Librarian / CEO Sonia Bebbington said: "The next few years will see an expansion unlike anything we’ve ever seen in OPL’s history, and we appreciate the Board and City Council’s support. We recognize that growth must occur across library services in ways other than physical spaces. These investments prepare for the success of OPL’s Central branch at Ādisōke while strengthening OPL as a whole."