Ottawa Public Library 2022 Annual Report “Setting up for Renewal”

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Public Library Board received OPL’s 2022 Annual Report at its Board meeting yesterday. The report “Setting up for Renewal” acknowledges 2022 as a year of transition for the Library. OPL welcomed a new Chief Librarian/CEO, the 2019-2022 term of the OPL Board ended, and the Library now has one of the strongest intellectual freedom position statements in North America. 
 
One of OPL’s core values is intellectual freedom: the free and open exchange of lawful information and ideas in a democratic society, respecting the individual’s rights to privacy and choice. To ensure transparency, the Statement outlines a new appeal process for clients seeking a second review of an OPL decision regarding a request for reconsideration (that is challenging a title in the collection).  
 
OPL continued its efforts towards reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples by expanding its partnerships with the Anishnābe Algonquin Host Nation and by raising awareness and educating the public about Indigenous culture and history. Seven branches were open on September 30, the new statutory holiday for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, offering programs and access to resources about the experiences of Indigenous children and youth in residential schools, and the intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities. 
  
As the recovery from the pandemic continued, in-person visits to OPL branches rose by 13 per cent and borrowing of physical items from the Library collection rose by 17 per cent, while some electronic uses decreased – all as compared to 2021. The number of people attending Library programs, in-person or virtually, almost doubled and the number of programs offered more than doubled from the previous year. 
  
The creation and construction of Ādisōke, the new OPL-LAC joint facility, continued and reached a major milestone, the setting of the foundation of Ādisōke, in June 2022. A new section was created on the OPL website to drive excitement, support transparency, and engage library clients and Ottawa residents with the latest news on this once-in-a-generation project that will be the home of the new Central branch.  
 
For details about Ottawa Public Library’s story in 2022, please see the OPL 2022 Annual Report. For current offerings and the latest information please visit the OPL website.