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.