Ottawa – Ottawa Public Library has received a major gift to its Unlock Potential fundraising campaign for the new Ottawa Central Library that is being built at 555 Albert Street in central Ottawa.
BMO has donated $100 000 dollars over five years towards Indigenous programming at the new Ottawa Central Library, part of Ādisōke with Library and Archives Canada.
“This tremendous gift is our first major donation from a financial institution, and we are thrilled that BMO recognizes the importance of public libraries as providers of critical resources, programs, spaces, and tools for everyone. Developing Indigenous services and programs are a major focus for Ottawa Public Library as we continue to work with the Algonquin Anishinābe Host Nation and the urban Indigenous community to advance reconciliation” commented the Chair of the OPL Board, Councilor Matthew Luloff.
“We’re honoured to partner with Ottawa Public Library to support Indigenous programming. Education is a key pillar of BMO’s commitment to advancing Truth and Reconciliation and, along with employment and economic empowerment, is vital to supporting progress toward thriving communities,” said Mike Bonner, Head, BMO Canadian Business Banking, Head, Enterprise Indigenous Strategy, “Public libraries continue to play a critical role in the education of Canadians by providing access to knowledge and exposure to history and culture through books and programming dedicated to learning about Canada’s Indigenous peoples.”
With this major gift, BMO has invested in the future vibrancy and prosperity of our city and community. By supporting the Unlock Potential fundraising campaign for the future Ottawa Central Library, donors are supporting a lively, informed, and prosperous community.
About the Unlock Potential Fundraising Campaign
Central libraries have transformed cities such as Helsinki, Doha, Austin, Calgary and Halifax.
Now Ottawa has the opportunity for its own transformational Central Library that will contribute to the cultural and economic success of the city.
With a central location on the historic LeBreton Flats, OPL’s new Central Library will be both a catalyst for development in this area, and a lively community hub that will provide access to:
- The latest creative technologies
- Spaces to work and study
- High-quality literacy programs
- Events with local and national artists
- Exceptional collections
By offering everyone – free of charge – the books, programs, spaces, and tools, and help they need to learn, find a job, connect with others, develop language skills, and stay informed, public libraries have a long history of supporting education, democracy, culture and are a highly valued public service.
The new Ottawa Central Library, part of the Ādisōke Joint Facility with Library and Archives Canada, will capture the imagination of Ottawa residents and visitors from across Canada and beyond. It will offer an interactive experience that is both local and national through its striking design, sustainable architectural footprint, and special programs and services.
Throughout the planning and design of Ādisōke, we have been working with the Anishinābe Algonquin Host Nation, which gave us the name for the facility. We and our partners will continue to work collaboratively with the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation and other First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals and organizations from across the country in an active spirit of reconciliation.
We are raising funds to make the new Central Library come alive with exciting spaces, high-quality and inclusive programming, and new, high-tech tools and resources to enable creation and inspire learning at any age.
Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is the largest bilingual (English/French) public library system in North America, with 34 branches, physical and virtual at BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca, mobile libraries, and a vending machine library service. OPL’s mission is to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people. Follow us on Twitter Twitter.com/OPL_BPOand like us on Facebook.Contact us at 613-580-2940 or InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca. If it’s out there, it’s in here!
- 30 -
Media:
media@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca