Ontario Library Week: Oct 16-22

October 16 to 22, 2011 is Ontario Public Library Week, an opportunity to celebrate public libraries, their staff and their patrons. This year’s theme, Your Library, A Place Unbound suggests that, as part of a changing world, libraries are expanding their resources as they connect people to information and reading. Innovations such as digital and downloadable books, music, movies, Internet access, electronic databases, eReaders, gaming, and the utilization of social media such as Facebook and Twitter appeal to a new generation of library users!
“Public libraries are without boundaries, places of endless opportunity where Ontarians can access information, improve their literacy and engage in lifelong learning,” said David Allen, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries. “Ensconced as dynamic community hubs, public libraries of today are integral to our province’s growth and cultural vitality.”
“Demographically, no other cultural institution sees as wide a range of residents as the public library,” noted Jim Bennett, Board Chair of the Federation. “Each year, 66.5 million visits are made in person to Ontario public libraries, which is 3 times the annual attendance at all North American NHL hockey games.”
Ontario’s 300+ public library boards will be marking Ontario Public Library Week with a variety of activities. The official launch for the provincial campaign will occur at Whitby Public Library on October 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. This launch will be hosted by the eight public library systems in Durham Region. The guest speaker will be the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture.
Join the millions of Ontarians who already recognize the value of their local library and are making the most of the free services and resources to small businesses, job seekers, preschoolers, new Canadians, seniors and students. Contact your local library for a list of the special events and activities planned in your area.
Library owned and driven, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries is a not-for-profit membership association established in 2005 to provide a single, strong voice for public libraries in Ontario to enhance library policies and programs.