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Ontario’s first free public libraries were established in Toronto and Guelph in 1883. Between 1903 and 1922, 111 Ontario libraries were constructed with more than $2.5 million in funding from American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Over 3.9 million Ontarians, or nearly 27% of the population, hold a public library card.
- Overview
- Library Boards
- Public, Union and County Library Boards
- Powers and Duties of Library Boards
- Board Member Eligibility
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Appointments
- Library Finances
- Fees
- First Nation Public Libraries
- Disclaimer
A strong library system is a cornerstone of a strong community. It contributes to education, literacy and life-long learning. Ontario’s Public Libraries Act (PLA) is the key piece of legislation governing Ontario’s public libraries. It supports the provision of equal and universal access to information and establishes free public library services i...
Under the PLA, public libraries in Ontario must be operated under the management and control of a public library board. The board has the authority to make policies about the operations and services of the public library. Once established by municipal bylaw, a public library board is responsible for operating its library system. Boards and municipa...
Public library boards are composed of at least five members. The number of municipal councillors on the board may not exceed one less than a majority. For example, if a public library board has five members, there can be no more than two municipal councillors on the board. Union public library boards are established when two or more municipalities ...
Library boards provide: 1. a comprehensive and efficient public library system that reflects the unique needs of the community they serve, in co-operation with other boards 2. French language and special services as appropriate 3. services in accordance with the PLA Library boards are required to: 1. fix times and places for board meetings, call an...
A board member must be a member of the appointing council or a Canadian citizen who is at least eighteen years old. A board member must also be one of the following: 1. a resident of the municipality where the board is established or, in the case of a county library cooperative board, the area served by the board, as long they are not an employee o...
A public library board has the power to appoint a library chief executive officer (CEO). The CEO is a library board employee and not a municipal employee. The CEO reports to the board and not to the municipality. The CEOdoes not report in a dual relationship to both the board and the municipality.
The PLArequires public library boards to appoint a treasurer who: 1. receives and accounts for all the board’s money 2. opens an account or accounts in the name of the board in a chartered bank, trust company or credit union approved by the board 3. deposits all monies received by the board to the credit of the board’s account 4. disburses the mone...
Under the PLA, a board cannot charge for any of the following: 1. admission to a public library 2. for the in-library use of materials 3. reserving and borrowing circulating materials and the use of reference and information services the board considers practicable 4. the use of inter-library loan services, as long as the materials borrowed fall wi...
First Nation bands can establish their own public library. They may also contract for public library services with a public library board, union board or county library board. Library services are provided according to the terms and conditions set out in the agreement.
The information on this web page is not legal advice. For further questions relating to the PLAor your particular circumstances, consult with your own legal advisors.
libraries also help students access curriculum-support resources, and they teach students to value the role of libraries in school and society.2 In Ontario, many school libraries have recently transitioned to a Learning Commons model, where the library provides both a physical and virtual space for student learning.3 This model requires ...
The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries is a not-for-profit membership association established in 2005 to provide a single, strong voice for public libraries in Ontario to enhance library policies and programs. Its services focus on four strategic pillars: advocacy, marketing, research and consortia purchasing. The Federation’s membership
Simply put: Ontario’s Public Libraries, now more than ever before, play a critical role in the social, educational, cultural and economic success of the communities in our province. Public Libraries are an essential investment in the future of our communities and are essential drivers of success in school preparedness, reading readiness, economic and employment success, and social equity.
The Public Libraries Act and Regulation 976. The Public Libraries Act helps ensure free, equitable access to public library service in Ontario. general information; understanding Ontario’s Public Libraries Act; Additional legislation Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
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The inaugural Ontario Library Service Strategic Plan 2021/22 – 2025/26 was created with input from key stakeholders including OLS staff, board members, and Public Library clients. I appreciate the time and energy you invested in sharing your feedback on what effective services would look like from the Ontario Library Service through a survey, focus groups, and formal feedback.
