Photo: OPL’s CEO Danielle McDonald speaks at a FOPLA event. Image copyright: Bridget Delarosil

We’re proud to share that we donated $350,000 to the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) in 2016, a figure which represents FOPLA’s second largest annual donation to date.

These funds are used by OPL to purchase materials, equipment, and support programming not covered by their municipal budget.

Thanks to the generosity and support of the Ottawa community, FOPLA is now selling gently used books at 26 locations in library branches across the city. Sales from our volunteer-run bookstores, self-serve bookshelves, and speciality sales, including our monthly Mammoth Sale, all contribute to the donation we make to OPL every year.

Funds donated by FOPLA are used by OPL to purchase items and equipment that help improve the functionality and physical appearance of local libraries, as well as support events and programming that help Ottawa’s libraries reach out to the local community.

Some highlights of items purchased by OPL with FOPLA funds in 2016 include:

  • Over $156,000 towards new furniture and shelving
  • Over $10,000 towards Aboriginal and older-adult programming
  • $6000 sponsorship of the Awesome Authors Youth-Writing contest
  • Over $19,000 towards programming and community events

“Without FOPLA’s dedicated team of volunteers, none of these important program and branch enhancements would have been possible,” said Tim Tierney, Chair of the OPL Board and City Councillor for Beacon Hill-Cyrville. “We appreciate all that the Friends do to support OPL programming and branches across the City.”

FOPLA’s contributions to OPL help benefit programming and services for children, teens, families, and the general public. Through their programming, services, and events, OPL helps promote literacy and lifelong learning in Ottawa, and supports individuals in all areas of our community.

If you’d like to help contribute to our mission, there are many ways to get involved! Volunteer, become a member, donate used books, or give financially today to help us support Ottawa’s public library system for years to come.