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Maawnjiding Mnookmig – Annual Meeting of First Nation Public Libraries

What is commonly known as Spring Gathering happens each May.  First Nation Public Librarians gather together from all over the province to visit, learn new skills, network and learn about the host community.  For the past several years the annual gathering has taken place at a First Nation that hosts a public library.  This year, the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Public Library hosted the gathering.  Our librarian host this year was Danielle Big Canoe Snake. She and her staff, along with the First Nation Consultants at OLS, Deanna Nebenionquit and Nancy Cooper, worked together to ensure the gathering was an interesting and thought-provoking one. Programming is based on the direction of the First Nation librarians with information that is gathered throughout the year.

Each year the gathering is renamed in the local dialect to reflect the time and purpose of the time together.  This year Jessica Shonias provided the translation, Maawnjiding Mnookmig or ‘gathering in the spring’.  Meegwech to Jessica.

The gathering started with a tour of the community.  Participants were treated to visits to the Maawnjiydiwag Gtigaan farm, the pow wow grounds and the giant dreamcatcher, as well as a visit to the craft store for some shopping.

People walking in a greehouse
Visit to Maawnjiydiwag Gtigaan farm

After a delicious catered lunch from the Mariposa Market in Orillia, the first afternoon was spent at Giwedin Ki retreat, learning from change makers in the community.  Topics covered were food sovereignty, community wellness initiatives, genealogy research, land-based learning and the revitalization of the art of quill work. Many thanks to Ben Couisneau, Ben Benson, Dillon Bickell, Kailey LeDrew, and Theresa Copeland for sharing their passion and knowledge with the group.

That evening, after a wonderful local catered meal, the group was invited to watch a screening of “The Librarians” a multiple award winning documentary chronicling the struggles of librarians in Texas, faced with increasing right wing pressure to comply with book bans and wide-ranging censorship.

The second day of the gathering, the group met at the library which is located within the community centre and is linked directly to the elementary school and the arena. This year, our break sponsors were the Ontario Library Association and the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries. Training included sessions from OLS Consultant Alison Pilon who took participants through an interesting session about early literacy and library programming, and Linda Wright, from Solutions by Wright, who helped learners ‘Tell a Story with a Spreadsheet’ in the computer lab at the library.

Two photos, on the left a woman in blue talking to groups at tables; on the right, people at individual computer stations
Spring Gathering 2026 Sessions. On the left, Allison Pilon discusses early literacy and library programming. On the right, people in attendance of the ‘Tell a Story with a Spreadsheet’ session.

During the last half day of the gathering we hosted an informal, in-person Tea and Chat, providing librarians and guests the opportunity to visit and network.  The final presentation was offered by Victoria Leleary, Indigenous Engagement Advisor from Library and Archives Canada. Her session covered the ways Library and Archives Canada can help Indigenous people protect and take control of their data.

Maawnjiding Mnookmig was a great success and we want to thank everyone who helped make it so. Looking forward to next year!

Group photo of people standing and sitting
Participants of the 2026 Spring Gathering at the Chippewas of Rama First Nation Public Library
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Navigating the Evolving AI Landscape: A Thoughtful Approach

Image of a woman looking up with her hand on her chin, with images of graphs, and schematics floating around her head. The title Navigating the Evolving AI Landscape: A Thoughtful Approach and the Ontario Library Service logo are to the right of the image.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how organizations, including libraries, operate, communicate, and deliver value.  

AI is here.  We cannot turn back the clock and undo AI, but we can control how we engage with it.  Libraries have always played an important role in supporting communities during technological changes.  Perhaps some of you remember adopting, championing and learning and teaching about the internet in your libraries.  This new pervasive technology may follow a similar process.

As AI continues to evolve, many leaders are asking the same question: How do we embrace AI responsibly while managing its risks?

At OLS, we believe the answer lies in thoughtful, intentional engagement—grounded in learning, collaboration, and transparency.  (In honour of that transparency you should know, I did use AI to help me with a first draft of this blog post.  AND I combined that draft with lots of human edits.)

As part of our ongoing learning opportunities around AI we have developed a sample Trillium Public Library AI Policy and Guide.  This policy and guidebook are built on a strong foundation of research, professional development, and collaboration. We drew on emerging best practices, sector-specific insights, and legal guidance to ensure a balanced approach that reflects both the opportunity and responsibility of engaging with AI.

When considering your own AI policies it is important to keep the dynamic reality of AI at the forefront.  AI is not static, meaning revisiting and adapting AI policy, procedure and infrastructure is an administrative reality. No single organization has all the answers, and we hope the Trillium Policy Sample and Guide will serve as a starting point for your internal AI Policy.  As always, we encourage you to adapt the policy and its operationalization based on your library, environment and community service.

The OLS is approaching AI with a healthy measure of curiosity and skepticism.  We look forward to continuing to learn alongside the public library sector, and to offer learning opportunities and support to public libraries in Ontario.

Three photos of OLS Staff members standing around posters with post it notes.
OLS Staff at their most recent Artificial Intelligence Staff Training discussing what “good” AI use looks like.

We are pleased to introduce the following AI resources:

You can also check out the following:

Image of Mellissa D'Onofrio-JonesWritten by:

Mellissa D’Onofrio-Jones, MLIS
CEO/Directrice Générale
Ontario Library Service
Service des bibliothèques Ontario

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Key Takeaways from Municipal Relations and Your Library Series

In preparation for the 2026 municipal elections, the OLS hosted a three‑part webinar series focused on strengthening municipal relationships. Each session featured a key library stakeholder from a different system, who shared practical insights, collaborative strategies, and proven approaches for building strong, sustainable connections between libraries and their municipalities. 

The sessions were delivered in an interview format, with an OLS staff member guiding the conversation. Speakers discussed their personal experiences in the library sector, described what effective municipal relationships look like from their perspective, and offered scalable actions that other libraries could adopt. Participants were then invited to ask additional questions during an open Q&A period. 

This series has been one of our most popular offerings in recent years, drawing more than 250 registrants across all three webinars. While the sessions were not recorded, we have prepared a summary highlighting the key takeaways from each discussion. 

First up was Tara Roy-DiClemente, a four-term Councillor with the Town of East Gwillimbury.  Tara’s municipal involvement began when she joined the Board of the East Gwillimbury Public Library as a volunteer trustee in 2007. Following that board term, she was first elected to Council in 2010 and has served as Trustee and Council Liaison to the library board for several years. A passionate library advocate, Councillor Roy-DiClemente has chaired every major Committee of Council, making her uniquely qualified to help position Libraries within the Municipal context. 

Tara shared her practical experience and valuable insights as a board member, particularly in building strong relationships with municipal partners. From understanding fiduciary responsibilities to advocating for the library within the broader community, Tara’s perspective had a meaningful impact on attendees. Tara’s advice to library leaders during this election season was to approach key members of the community who continuously support the library and encourage them to join the board before the positions are vacant, to ensure the best possible candidates fill those positions. 

As a rapidly growing community in Ontario, East Gwillimbury has made significant strides in strengthening its library system in recent years. The newly opened Queensville branch in the Health and Active Living Centre, a project Tara passionately supported, highlights the important role libraries can play within mixed-use community spaces. 

In May, we hosted Shelley McKay, the Manager of Communications at the Hamilton Public Library. Shelley leads strategic communications, public engagement, and brand development across the library system. She plays a key role in building strategic partnerships and promoting the library’s services, programs, and impact, to ensure awareness throughout the Hamilton community. 

As a communications professional, Shelley approaches municipal relations from a unique angle compared to our other presenters. While her day-to-day interactions with city staff might be less frequent than those of a library CEO or municipal councillor, she emphasized the vital need for regular communication with key municipal stakeholders. To build strong relationships and deep trust, she focuses on anticipating needs, keeping all parties well-informed, and eliminating surprises. 

To achieve this, Shelley explained that the library shares their newsletters with councillors. This keeps them updated on upcoming programs, presenters, or even planned construction within their wards, ensuring they are never caught off guard by constituent inquiries. Additionally, Shelley discussed the library’s role during municipal, provincial, and federal elections, highlighting it as a non-partisan resource for both voters and candidates. To support the community during these times, the library hosts speakers on key civic issues and equips staff with the tools and knowledge needed to direct the public to reliable election resources. 

In June we spoke with Karthi Rajamani, CEO of the Pembroke Public Library. Since stepping into the role in 2016, Karthi has transformed the library into a vibrant, inclusive community hub where everyone feels welcome. Originally a teacher in India, Karthi brings a lifelong passion for education, literacy, and cultural diversity. Her experience spans public, academic, and special libraries, giving her a broad perspective and strong foundation in innovative library service and leadership. 

Karthi pointed out that good relationships start internally – by creating a strong organizational culture within the library first, one can then turn to the board and municipality to show how the library, collectively, is a strong community partner.  

Karthi discussed that as a library CEO, but also as a member of the community for over 20 years, she has been able to identify key municipal priorities, such as economic development and tourism, and developed library programs and partnerships in alignment with these priorities. The demonstration of success to the board and council has led to increased support and engagement with the library, allowing them to grow these programs, like their Multicultural Festival, and to continue to positively impact the community. 

Karthi’s final thoughts about building relationships with your municipality can be summed up in four words: “no attitude, no ego.” 

Every one of us plays a meaningful role in building and sustaining strong relationships with our municipalities, regardless of our job title or where we sit in the organization. These connections don’t just happen—they grow through consistent communication, shared goals, and a clear understanding of how libraries contribute to community well‑being. 

If you’re looking for practical strategies or fresh ideas to deepen your library’s partnership with local government, explore the OLS Municipal Relations resource. It offers guidance, tools, and examples to help you strengthen those essential relationships and advocate effectively for your library. 

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Celebrating First Nation Public Libraries

First Nation Public Library Logo

As we prepare to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day in June, Ontario Library Service (OLS) is proud to highlight the programs, resources, and relationships that support First Nation public libraries across the province. These initiatives are designed not only for Indigenous communities, but also for the broader public library sector—offering opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate Indigenous knowledge, stories, and leadership.

First Nation Public Libraries in Ontario
Did you know that Ontario is one of the only provinces in Canada that explicitly includes First Nations in its Public Libraries Act?

There are currently thirty-eight First Nation Public Libraries operating across Ontario. A First Nation Band Council—also known as Chief and Council—can establish a public library on-reserve by passing a Band Council Resolution, similar in function to a municipal bylaw. Communities may also choose to contract for library services with neighbouring public libraries.

This legislative inclusion allows First Nation public libraries to access provincial library funding, including the Public Library Operating Grant and the First Nation Salary Supplement. These supports play a vital role in sustaining library services, strengthening local capacity, and ensuring equitable access to information and learning resources.

We encourage libraries to learn more on the Ontario Library Service website and to share this information with provincial Indigenous partners in communities without existing public library service. 

First Nation Programs
Ontario Library Service is honoured to host two long-standing, community-driven programs:

While these initiatives are managed by OLS, they are shaped and led by First Nation public library staff who:

  • Select the annual FNPLW theme and poster artist
    • The 2026 theme is “Your library is bigger on the inside”
  • Select FNPLW virtual event topics, themes, and speakers
  • Serve on the FNCR jury that shortlists and selects the FNCR winning titles

This collaborative model ensures that programming reflects community voices, values, and lived experiences, while amplifying Indigenous authors, artists, and stories.

Resources are available year-round on the FNPLW and FNCR websites including author interviews and Elder’s panels.

Building Community Through Tea & Chat
Strong relationships are at the heart of our work at Ontario Library Service. The First Nation Consultants at OLS maintain close connections with on-reserve library staff through Tea & Chat, a weekly Zoom drop-in that began in 2020 and continues to thrive today.

Tea & Chat has become a welcoming space where First Nation public library workers:

  • Share ideas and resources
  • Celebrate accomplishments
  • Discuss challenges
  • Build meaningful professional connections and friendships

These conversations are also where much of the collaborative brainstorming happens for First Nation Public Library Week and the annual Gathering of First Nation Public Libraries, ensuring that these events remain responsive and community informed.

Upcoming Training
On June 17, OLS is excited to host the webinar Library Voices: Indigenous Classification Systems, featuring Maawn Doobiigeng (Gather Together) (recording available on LearnHQ). This session will explore how Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing into library organization, access, and services —offering inspiration and insight for libraries everywhere.

Looking Ahead
We hope you’ve enjoyed this overview of First Nation Services offered by OLS. Most importantly, we extend our sincere thanks to the First Nation Public Library staff whose leadership, creativity, and generosity guide and enrich these programs.

Your contributions strengthen not only First Nation libraries, but the entire public library sector. As we mark Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate your work, your communities, and the powerful role libraries play in supporting Indigenous knowledge and community well-being.

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Ontario Library Service’s New Strategic Plan

Ontario Library Service Logo.

Le français suit l’anglais.

Our current strategic plan served us well during the initial five years as the OLS. The 2026/27 – 2029/30 plan will guide our core work into the future with a focus on services and supports that build up public libraries in Ontario.

Many thanks to all who contributed to the strategic plan by participating in focus groups, completing surveys, and post-event satisfaction questionnaires. I hope you see your feedback incorporated in the strategic plan and most importantly reflected in OLS support and services over the next three years.

I would be remiss not to thank the incredible strategic planning committee who dedicated much of their time this last year to big picture thinking, examining data, and sharing perspectives that focused on supporting public libraries in Ontario. Much appreciation to Allison, Brandon, Brian, Deanna, Jesse and Lindsay. Your passion for the success of public libraries shows!

On behalf of the OLS team, we look forward to learning and growing along with you and providing the best possible service and support to the sector today and in the future.

Read the new strategic plan here.

 

 

Notre plan stratégique actuel nous a bien servis au cours des cinq premières années du SBO. Le plan 2026/27 à 2029/30 orientera nos activités essentielles dans les années à venir, en mettant l’accent sur des services et un soutien qui renforcent les bibliothèques publiques de l’Ontario.

Je remercie chaleureusement toutes les personnes qui ont contribué à l’élaboration de ce plan stratégique en participant aux groupes de discussion, en répondant aux sondages et en remplissant les questionnaires de satisfaction à la suite d’événements. J’espère que vous y reconnaîtrez vos commentaires et, surtout, que vous en verrez le reflet dans les services et le soutien offerts par le SBO au cours des trois prochaines années.

Je tiens également à exprimer ma sincère reconnaissance aux membres exceptionnels du comité de planification stratégique, qui ont consacré beaucoup de temps, au cours de la dernière année, à une réflexion d’ensemble, à l’analyse de données et au partage de perspectives centrées sur le soutien aux bibliothèques publiques de l’Ontario. Un grand merci à Allison, Brandon, Brian, Deanna, Jesse et Lindsay. Votre engagement envers la réussite des bibliothèques publiques est manifeste.

Au nom de l’équipe du SBO, nous avons hâte de continuer à apprendre et à évoluer à vos côtés, tout en offrant au secteur des services et un soutien de la plus haute qualité, aujourd’hui et pour l’avenir.

Consultez le nouveau plan stratégique ici.

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6 Steps to a Stronger Library Board: Preparing for the 2026 Municipal Election

Image of outlines of heads with one under a magnifying glass

With a municipal election on the horizon this fall, 2026 will be a pivotal year for public libraries across Ontario. Election years bring an opportunity for library boards to plan ahead, strengthen governance, and welcome new voices to the table. 

Now is an important time for library boards to begin thinking strategically about succession planning, board transitions, and recruitment. While the recruitment process varies from one municipality to another, there are several core steps that every library board can take to ensure a smooth and successful transition. 

1. Plan Ahead 
Before you start recruiting, figure out what your current library board is missing. Use OLS’ Library Board Current Composition Template to map out your current members’ strengths. Do you need a legal expert? Someone who knows marketing? OLS’ Define the Ideal Candidate Worksheet can help you identify the desired qualities and competencies of new board members. 

2. Write a Library Board Member Job Description
Create a simple document that explains: 

  • About the library, its mission and vision 
  • Time commitment 
  • Board Member roles and responsibilities 
  • Competencies and qualifications 

3. Make the Information Accessible
Active outreach is an important part of the recruitment process, and information should be as accessible as possible to prospective candidates. Design a one-page flyer or brochure that highlights: 

  • The library’s mission and impact on the community 
  • The library board’s role and responsibilities 
  • Specific skills you’re looking for 
  • Eligibility and expectations (time requirement, length of board term, etc.) 
  • A link to the application (consider a QR code for easy access) 

4. Get Visible in the Community
Put up posters in the community, at coffee shops, community centers, and at City Hall.  Attend community events to connect with active community members, library supports, businesses, and civic groups. Host information sessions or an open house to give people a chance to visit the library and have their questions answered

5. Use Your Best Ambassadors
Your current board members are your best recruiters. Encourage them to: 

  • Talk to their friends and colleagues 
  • Share recruitment posts on social media 
  • Identify people in their network who have the specific skills you nee

6. Partner Closely with Council
Since council makes the final appointments, they are your most important partners. To ensure they select the best fit for the library, you should: 

  • Share Your Vision: Meet with council members or the city clerk to explain the library’s current goals and the type of leadership needed to reach them 
  • Provide a “Wish List”: Don’t be afraid to share your Ideal Candidate Summary (from OLS’ Define the Ideal Candidate Worksheet). Show the council exactly where the board is strong and where it needs help 
  • Collaborate on Qualifications: Offer to help draft or refine the criteria council uses to evaluate applicants, ensuring the qualifications align with the library’s strategic plan 

Don’t forget to check out our Getting Ready for the 2026 Election Guide that has key resources provided by Ontario Library Service. You can also get in touch with the OLS consultants at consulting@olservice.ca to learn more or ask questions. 

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Staff Profile: Anne O’Sullivan

Meet the team! Learn more about the people who help the Ontario Library Service provide seamless access to programs and services that strengthen all public libraries in Ontario.

Name: Anne O’Sullivan
Position: Consultant

Image of Anne in front of library book shelves

I decided to become a librarian when I was 6 years old, and I never looked back!  I loved storytime and the summer reading club as a kid – so it made sense that when I graduated from Western with my MLIS in 2010, I took a job as a Children’s Librarian at Calgary Public Library.  Since that time, I’ve worked in various roles as a librarian and manager, and moved back home to Ontario in 2016.  Most recently I’ve been working as a Public Services and Collections manager for London Public Library.  I’m excited to now join OLS and serve libraries across the province.

If you could become a character from any book who would you pick and why?

Obviously, Anne of Green Gables!  My hair isn’t as red as it once was, but I love Anne Shirley and got to visit Green Gables on a trip to Prince Edward Island ten years ago or so.  I’d be happy living in Avonlea!

My favourite meal is…?

Definitely pizza!  My favourite part of the week is eating pizza and watching TV on the couch with my partner on a Friday night.  You can’t go wrong with Friday night pizza.

Do you have a favourite task or project in your OLS work role? 

I’m just starting my role, but what I’m looking forward to most at OLS is getting to work with the amazing public library staff and boards across the province.  I know from personal experience how much work it is to keep a library going every day, and I hope to be able to make that work a bit easier for our clients!

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Highlights from OLS’s Time at OLASC 2026

The OLA Super Conference EXPO Hall.
The OLA Super Conference EXPO Hall.

In libraryland, the end of January can only mean one thing: the OLA Super Conference. As always, Ontario Library Service (OLS) staff were fully engaged—attending sessions, participating in events, and, for only the second time in recent memory, hosting a booth in the EXPO hall.

From presenting and moderating sessions to reconnecting with colleagues across the province, it was a busy and rewarding few days.

Sessions delivered by OLS staff members

Three OLS staff members contributed their expertise as presenters and panelists at the 2026 Super Conference.

Brandon Fratarcangeli co-presented on the findings of the OPLA Psychological Health Survey, alongside fellow members of the OPLA Research and Evaluation Committee. The session explored how library employees perceive workload, leadership, career growth, workplace stressors, and overall psychological well-being. Participants also took part in a design thinking exercise aimed at identifying practical solutions to strengthen psychological safety in library workplaces.

Green sticky notes and papers on a desk.
Design thinking exercise.

Allison Pilon moderated a timely and thought-provoking conversation between two experts in municipal governance and politics. Titled “Libraries in a Changing Municipal Landscape: Navigating Governance, Legal Change, and Leadership,” the session examined how strong mayor powers and provincial planning priorities are reshaping municipal decision-making. The discussion highlighted the growing need for library boards and leaders to act as proactive advocates, strategic collaborators, and essential voices within their communities.

Allison Pilon and Jesse Roberts also joined three other librarians on a panel titled “Data for All! Practical Tips and Best Practices for Data Reporting and Visualization for Newbies.” The panel emphasized the importance of visual storytelling when communicating with stakeholders. Allison and Jesse shared their experiences using the Valuing Ontario Libraries Tool (VOLT) to clearly and effectively demonstrate library value through data.

Events

No OLA Super Conference would be complete without a little glitz and glamour. The OLA Public Library Awards Gala celebrated outstanding service and achievement across Ontario’s public library community. The evening opened with remarks from the Hon. Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, who presented the Ontario Public Library Service Awards. Read more about the winners here.

A highlight of the evening was the acceptance speech by Kathleen Copegog, librarian at the Beausoleil First Nation Public Library and recipient of the OLBA W.J. Robertson Medallion Public Librarian of the Year. As she approaches retirement, Kathleen shared a heartfelt reflection on her career at the library and generously gave a shoutout to OLS staff that has worked with her over the years.

Nancy Cooper (OLS First Nation Consultant), Anatasia Shawnoo (Librarian, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point Public Library; the Library won the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence Award), Kathleen Copegog (Librarian, Beausoleil First Nation Public Library and recipient of the OLBA W.J. Robertson Medallion Public Librarian of the Year), Deanna Nebenionquit (OLS First Nation Consultant).
Nancy Cooper (OLS First Nation Consultant), Anatasia Shawnoo (Librarian, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point Public Library; the Library won the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence Award), Kathleen Copegog (Librarian, Beausoleil First Nation Public Library and recipient of the OLBA W.J. Robertson Medallion Public Librarian of the Year), Deanna Nebenionquit (OLS First Nation Consultant).

With OLS staff working throughout the province, OLA Super Conference was an opportunity to connect in person and share a few meals together.

Some OLS staff members getting together for dinner.
Some OLS staff members getting together for dinner.

OLS in the EXPO Hall

Throughout the conference, OLS staff took turns staffing the OLS booth in the EXPO hall. The booth provided a valuable opportunity to connect not only with the public library sector, but with the broader information community as well.

OLS Booth at the OLA Expo
OLS Booth at the OLA Expo
2025 Year in Review infographic.
2025 Year in Review infographic.

In addition to sharing information about OLS training, consulting, and consortia services, visitors were invited to explore a large poster highlighting key accomplishments from the past year. It was wonderful to reconnect with long-time partners, meet new contacts—and even welcome a friendly tortoise who stopped by to say hello!

A tortoise stopped by to say hi to staff at the OLS booth.
A tortoise stopped by to say hi to staff at the OLS booth.
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Public Libraries, Loneliness, and the Quiet Power of Belonging

Across Canada and around the world, loneliness has become an urgent public health concern. Even before COVID-19 intensified feelings of social isolation, millions of people were already reporting that they often felt alone or disconnected. In Canada, more than 40% of people say they feel lonely some or all of the time. Loneliness is more than an uncomfortable feeling, it is associated with increased risks of heart disease, dementia, depression, anxiety, and even premature death. 

While we are more digitally connected than ever, those connections often feel thin and fleeting. Many of the social spaces that once supported everyday interaction like local shops, and cafes have disappeared or become less accessible. 

And in this landscape, one public space continues to shine as a source of connection, stability, and community: the public library. 

 

Why Libraries Matter for Connection 

Across Canada, public libraries are quietly doing extraordinary work in helping individuals, especially those most vulnerable to isolation, feel seen, welcome, and part of something larger. For the last several years, I’ve been studying the relationship between libraries, social connection, and aging. Along with a team based at Western University, I reviewed more than 200 articles published over the past decade to better understand how libraries help people feel connected to their communities. 

We found five key ways libraries foster connection: 

  1. Creating belonging through services and programs
    Collections, events, technologies, partnerships, and makerspaces all offer entry points into community life. 
  2. Supporting digital access and skills
    Libraries help bridge technological gaps, reducing barriers to participation. 
  3. Reinforcing cultural identities
    Through multilingual collections, local history, and community-informed programming. 
  4. Providing safe, accessible spaces
    Places where people can spend time without paying, performing, or purchasing. 
  5. Addressing accessibility barriers
    Through adaptive technologies, home delivery, and inclusive service models. 

These findings align with what anthropologist Shannon Mattern and urban sociologist Eric Klinenberg call “social infrastructure”: the shared civic spaces that help communities thrive. Libraries are not just repositories of books, they are hubs of learning, care, and connection. 

 

Connection Through Co-Presence 

Libraries are third places – spaces that exist outside of home (first place) and work (second place). Third places are neutral, inclusive, low-pressure environments where people can gather, talk, rest, and build relationships. As other third places disappear or become less accessible, libraries increasingly shoulder the responsibility of offering a public space where everyone can belong. And this brings enormous benefits. A sense of attachment to a place, like a local library, can support identity, wellbeing, and resilience across the lifespan. 

One of the most striking findings from my ongoing research with older adults is how powerfully the library supports connection simply through co-presence, that is, being in the company of others even without direct interaction. 

Interviewing 51 older adults aged 55 to 93, many described the library as a “trusted friend,” a place that had been part of their lives since childhood. They spoke of the comfort of being around others, the stability of seeing familiar staff, and the joy of spontaneous encounters across generations. Even quietly reading among others fostered a sense of social inclusion. This reinforces something profound: connection doesn’t only happen through conversation. Sometimes it’s enough just to be with others in a shared space where you feel you matter. 

 

The Thread That Ties It All Together: Belonging 

Across research, stories, and lived experiences, one word keeps emerging as the foundation for meaningful connection: belonging. 

Belonging is more than being included, it’s the feeling of being recognized, accepted, and valued. It is built through everyday interactions, shared spaces, and intentional design. And it doesn’t happen automatically; it requires care. In libraries, belonging shows up in the way staff greet regulars by name, the way spaces are designed for comfort and accessibility, and the way programs invite curiosity across ages and backgrounds. Belonging is strengthened when libraries create opportunities for people of all generations to learn, collaborate, and simply exist together. 

 

Looking Ahead: Libraries as Intergenerational, Inclusive Spaces 

To foster belonging across the life course, libraries can (and already do!) intentionally challenge stereotypes about aging and create spaces where generations meet meaningfully. Intergenerational programming, whether in book clubs, digital literacy sessions, craft circles, or film nights, helps dismantle ageist assumptions and builds empathy. 

Small changes matter too: using age-inclusive language, featuring positive and realistic images of older adults, and designing spaces flexible enough to welcome different needs and energy levels. 

At the same time, libraries must navigate the question of digital connection carefully. Virtual programs can expand access, but they should complement, not replace, the embodied, in-person experiences that make belonging possible. 

 

Libraries as Places to Grow Up and Grow Older 

We often talk about libraries as places for children to discover the joy of reading, but they are equally powerful places for adults to grow, reconnect, and belong. One participant from my study put it beautifully: “My library is a meeting place for every generation… a place where you feel comfortable and welcomed, regardless of your age.” 

In a world where so many feel disconnected, public libraries remain one of the few places where belonging is not only possible but actively cultivated. They are, in every sense, essential community infrastructure – places that help us not just live, but live well, together. 

 

Further reading 

 

If you’d like to hear Nicole explore this topic in greater depth, be sure to check out her keynote presentation from the 2025 OLS Virtual Conference for Library Staff. 

 

About the author:

Nicole Dalmer, MLIS PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Aging and Society as well as the Acting Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, both at McMaster University. She received her MLIS from the University of Alberta in 2012 and completed her PhD in Library and Information Science from the University of Western Ontario in 2018. In her work, she takes up an interdisciplinary, critical gerontological approach as she explores the meanings, expectations, and values of connections (with people, nature, and technologies) in later life.  Her work has been recognized by the Canadian Association on Gerontology’s New Investigator Award in 2022, the 2022 McMaster Faculty of Social Sciences Early Career Researcher Award, the Canadian Association for Information Science (CAIS) Emerging Leader Award in 2023, and then 2025 ALISE/Connie Van Fleet Award for Research Excellence in Public Library Services to Adults.

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Ontario Library Service Virtual Conference 2025: A Look Back

What an incredible couple of days! The Ontario Library Service Virtual Conference 2025 was all about collaboration, innovation, and imagining what’s next for libraries. From thought-provoking to practical sessions, there was something for everyone—and plenty of ideas to take back to our communities. 

The Staff Program kicked things off with an inspiring keynote from Nicole Dalmer, who reminded us that libraries aren’t just places for books— they’re catalysts for creativity and community growth. Drawing on research, Nicole illustrated how libraries as “third places”  that reduce isolation, expand civic participation, and foster equity. It was a powerful reminder of the role public libraries play in shaping connected communities. 

This year’s Library Perspectives Panel dove into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We heard from four unique voices, each sharing how they’ve integrated AI into library policy, programming, and beyond. The conversation sparked big questions about innovation and ethics—questions we’ll be exploring for years to come. 

From there, James Turk, Centre for Free Expression, helped us unpack Intellectual Freedom – what it means, how it’s recognized in Canadian law, and where its limitations lie. James left us with plenty to think about, especially regarding the role of library staff in upholding these principles. We ran out of time for questions, but James encourages anyone with follow-ups to reach out directly. 

We also had the privilege of hearing from Randy Penasse of Nipissing First Nation in conversation with OLS First Nation Consultant Deanna Nebenionquit. Randy shared how his library evolved from a technology-focused vision into a vibrant hub for community and heritage. His stories about the Elder Profile Series and the Nipissing Warriors Hall of Fame were truly inspirational.

Of course, no event is without a hiccup. During the Board Program, the session on Conflict of Interest with Benjamin Miller, Ontario Non-Profit Network, could not go ahead due to technical difficulties. The good news? The recording is now available, and it’s well worth your time! 

To round out the day, OLS Consultants, Allison Pilon and Jesse Roberts, shared updates to the Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit (VOLT) and fielded some fantastic questions from the audience. 

If you missed any sessions, don’t worry! Recordings are available through LearnHQ. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the event. Here’s to continued collaboration and shaping the future of public libraries together!