OUR NEXT MAMMOTH BOOK SALE IS JULY 26, 2026
We inspire and unite a vibrant community of people
who believe in the transformative power of a strong public library.
Our Mission
We inspire and unite a vibrant community of people who believe in the transformative power of a strong public library. Together, we champion the Ottawa Public Library through advocacy and fundraising, ensuring it continues to enrich lives across our city. We engage in Library Board discussions and actively promote the vital programs and services that connect, educate, and empower our community.
Since 2003, FOPLA has contributed more than $5 million to OPL through volunteer-driven initiatives—used bookstores, self-serve bookshelves, and special sales in branches across Ottawa. These efforts help bring to life programs and services that extend beyond municipal funding, expanding the library’s reach and impact.
Our Vision
We envision a future where the Ottawa Public Library stands at the heart of a thriving, inclusive, and literate community—and where we are recognized as a leader in empowering that vision through exceptional fundraising and engaged volunteerism.
As champions of literacy and access, we help build diverse collections in both official languages, enhance accessibility, and support inspiring programs such as the Awesome Authors Youth Writing Contest.
Together, our board, staff, volunteers, and supporters are committed to strengthening a library system that is innovative, equitable, and essential to community life. We will continue to protect and grow this vital resource so that it serves and inspires generations to come.
Our Organisation
FOPLA is powered by people. With over 250 dedicated volunteers, we are 99% volunteer-run—driven by a shared passion for strengthening Ottawa’s public library.
Volunteers manage our bookstores, run sales, and guide our work through the Board of Directors and committees. Their time, talent, and commitment make everything we do possible. The Board leads advocacy efforts and directs funding to the programs and services that matter most. Our two staff members provide continuity and connection across the organization.
Since its founding in 2003 through the amalgamation of three Friends groups, FOPLA has become a key supporter of the Ottawa Public Library. We now donate more than $250,000 each year, fund scholarships and bursaries for information and library studies students in the city, and contributed $750,000 to the new Ādisōke Central facility capital fund in 2025.
From five community bookstores and 24 self-serve bookshelves to our distribution centre and signature Mammoth Sale, our impact is entirely volunteer-driven.
As a registered Canadian charity (119234193 RR0001), FOPLA is proud to be one of the country’s leading library Friends organizations—committed to advancing literacy, access, and lifelong learning in our community. Discover how you can be part of this work.
Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors allocates funds raised towards programs and activities aligned with FOPLA’s mission and works tirelessly in support of Ottawa’s public libraries.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Kathleen O'Connell Renaud
President & CEO
With general oversight over the Board and FOPLA’s operations, Kathleen brings years of leadership experience to guides advocacy and fundraising efforts, governance, and strategic planning.
The President serves as FOPLA’s public representative and principal contact with the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) to support its programs.
Ian Sharkey
Vice President,
Director of Operations
Ian brings considerable logistic skills to the role of Operations Director ensuring the smooth day to day running of FOPLA.
Holly Brant
Treasurer
Holly uses her expertise to provide oversight on FOPLA’s financial activities so that the Board can effectively manage funds and meet its objectives. She also coordinates preparation of FOPLA’s annual budget.
Pamela Belfer
Secretary
As Secretary, Pamela is the glue that holds the members of the Board of Directors together, and provides direction to the Board of Directors to ensure that it complies with the FOPLA bylaws and legislative requirements. regulations of the AABPO.
BOARD DIRECTORS
Sara Caverley
Director
Heather Kreker
Director
Chantal Cloutier
ex officio, Past President
Jill Sexton
Director
FOPLA Coordination and Management
Carol Shepherd | Coordinator
Centre & West regions
Scott Esdon
FDC Manager
Mandy Irving | Coordinator
South & East regions
Key volunteer roles supporting our Stores and FOPLA Distribution Centre (FDC)
Personnel
Jackie Banning
Finance Coordinator
As Finance Coordinator, Jackie coordinates the preparation of FOPLA’s financial documentation and tax returns, and provides general recommendations on FOPLA’s financial activities.
Alex Houghton
Administrative & Communications Coordinator
As Administrative & Communications Coordinator, Alex is responsible for administrative and communications support to the Board, the Distribution Centre, and FOPLA stores, and handles inquiries from the general public.
Past Presidents
2003 Donna Medved
2004 Bill Porter
2005 – 2006 Andy Billingsley
2007 – 2008 Lori Nash
2009 – 2010 Cindy Streeflerk
2011 – 2015 Colin Plows
2016 – 2017 Chantal Cloutier
2018 – 2020 Vlad Uher
2021 -2022 Shari Hill
2022- 2026 Kathleen O'Connell Renaud