The Ontario Library Service was established in 2021 and is mandated to deliver programs and services on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport by:

• Increase cooperation and coordination among Public Library boards and other information providers in order to promote the provision of library services to the public
• Assist Public Library boards and First Nations public libraries by providing them with services and programs that meet their needs including consulting, training and development services.

The Ontario Library Service Board is composed of 13 people: 9 elected Board Assembly representatives and 4 Ministerial Appointees. The full term for the Board is four years, beginning at least one full year after Ontario municipal elections.

On April 1, 2021, the first meeting of the Ontario Library Service Board took place. The interim Board made up of representatives from both the Southern Ontario Library Service and Ontario Library Service-North Boards. At the Board Assembly Meetings held in April and May, representatives were elected to the Ontario Library Service Board. At the June 2021 Annual General Meeting, the first elected Ontario Library Service Board will begin to serve its term from, June 2021 to June 2024.

View the Ontario Library Service Board Member Role Description.

Vision
The Ontario Library Service is universally recognized and highly valued as a robust, province-wide organization that provides seamless access to programs and services that strengthen all public libraries in Ontario.

Mission
The Ontario Library Service empowers Ontario’s public libraries to continuously adapt and improve services to their unique communities.

Year in Review: 2021-2022
April 1, 2022 marked one year as the Ontario Library Service. Download the Infographic showcasing a few highlights.