OTTAWA – The Ottawa Public Library Board received the Library’s 2021 Annual Report yesterday. OPL subtitled the report “There for you!” Despite being in the second year of a pandemic, OPL reports on how it found ways to keep improving Library access and services for Ottawa residents.
The Library supported digital inclusion through the loan of Chromebooks and Wi-Fi hotspots to groups in need, and Library services continued uninterrupted in most OPL branches, with curbside, contactless or enhanced modes of service. Meanwhile virtual channels remained constant with online events and activities; customer service via phone, chat and email through OPL InfoService; a wealth of reading recommendations and book-related news on the OPL website; and plenty of programming for all ages and interests on the OPL YouTube channel.
On January 1, OPL eliminated late fees to improve equity and inclusion, and is now pleased to report that 155,000 customers had late fees removed from their accounts and 95 per cent of lost items were either recovered or paid for by the end of March - resulting in more than $500K worth of recovered materials. The elimination of late fees with the introduction of OPL's Materials Recovery Model was a concrete action to remove systemic barriers, while reinforcing the concept of the Library as a shared resource.
Work on Ādisōke, the new OPL-LAC joint facility, continued with the reveal of the final design and name. Additional funding for the project was approved by OPL’s Board of Trustees and Ottawa City Council to address inflationary costs and the construction contract was awarded.
For details about Ottawa Public Library’s story in 2021 please see the OPL 2021 Annual Report. For current offerings and the latest information please visit the OPL website.