2024 Report to the Community

Public libraries are more than places to borrow books. They are pillars of connection, learning, access, and democracy. At Oakville Public Library (OPL), we embrace this role with pride and a deep commitment to the community we serve. 

In 2024, we made important strides to expand access and meet people where they are. We enhanced our collections, invested in digital platforms, and worked to ensure every resident feels welcomed and empowered by their library. By the end of the year, 56% of Oakville households had one or more library cards – a number we are proud of and eager to grow in 2025. 

Engagement in our programs reached new heights, with nearly 4,000 offerings including storytimes, author visits, technology workshops, and creative sessions. Attendance rose 28% overall which reflects the growing curiosity, creativity, and connection in our community. 

While we celebrate these achievements, we also recognize the increasing challenges facing intellectual freedom and OPL remains committed to protecting the right to access diverse perspectives and information freely and without restriction.  Libraries must be places where all voices are heard, where diverse perspectives are respected, and where ideas can be explored freely. 

Looking ahead, we continue to upload our Strategic Plan, as well as the newly formed Parks, Recreation, and Library Master Plan created in partnership with the Town of Oakville. This visionary framework, shaped by community input, places the library at the forefront of inclusion, climate action, and innovation. With this direction, we are preparing to open the new Sixteen Mile Branch in 2026 and are actively planning a new Central Branch, targeted to open in 2028. Located in the heart of downtown, it will be a vibrant, inclusive and modern space for learning, culture, and community. 

None of this would be possible without the passion, expertise, and dedication of our exceptional staff. Their adaptability in a rapidly evolving environment, commitment to inclusive service, and genuine care for the community ensure that every interaction at the library is welcoming and meaningful. It is the continued innovation, creativity, and compassion that make OPL not just a place to access resources, but a trusted and inspiring space for everyone who walks through our doors. 

As we celebrate our 130th anniversary in 2025, we reflect on our journey from a small reading room to a network of seven branches and multiple mobile and express locations. Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are building a library that reflects the heart of Oakville, one that inspires learning, fosters belonging, and supports a more inclusive future.

A special thanks to the 2024 Library Board for their ongoing service and commitment:
Andrew Cashman, Vice Chair | Meredith Burke | Councillor Ray Chisholm | Avis Maher | Rebecca Mayville | Celso Mello | Roderick Sawyer | Bill Smith 

Sincerely, 

Tara Wong, Chief Executive Officer  
Councillor Jeff Knoll, Board Chair 

Engagement, growth and the power of presence

Behind every number is a story of connection, curiosity, and community impact. In 2024, Oakville Public Library continued to grow in reach and relevance, with strong engagement across all services, both in-branch and online.

OPL continued to affirm its role as a vital and trusted space for discovery, connection, and learning. With 87% of all library cardholders remaining active, OPL saw strong retention rates that speak to the value community members place on their library membership.

Circulation remained steady over the year, buoyed by rising demand for physical materials. Borrowing of fiction titles rose by 10%, while checkouts of multilingual resources increased by 18%, reflecting a vibrant, curious, and increasingly diverse community. Physical items remained the preferred format, making up 61% of all materials borrowed - an indicator that, in a digital age, the tactile experience of books still holds deep meaning for many.

Equally notable was the growth in use of in-person services. Branch services saw a 44% increase, including a 149% rise in Creation Zone equipment bookings and a 129% rise in Tech Help appointments. Program and event attendance increased by 28%, with Maker Drop-In attendance surging by 306%.

Visits OPL branches rose by 44% compared to 2023, as more residents returned to use public computers, attend programs, access technology, or simply find a quiet space to study or connect. This rise affirms the library’s role as an essential gathering place where resources meet relationships, and learning happens across all ages and interests.

Wherever you are, the library is there

At Oakville Public Library, we believe the library should meet people where they are, beyond the library walls. In 2024, we expanded our presence across Oakville to ensure more residents could discover what the library has to offer, wherever they are.

Outreach is a vital part of our community engagement. In the summer of 2024 alone, library staff attended 161 outreach events throughout Oakville, directly connecting with nearly 7,000 people. These events created opportunities to introduce OPL’s services to new audiences, answer questions, and contribute to new library card signups.

In the spring, the Library On The Go book bikes were deployed to make a strong impact, bringing OPL ambassadors into the community to share information, answer questions, and share free resource information. This unique mobile service also featured Friendly Finds, an affordable book program supported by the Friends of Oakville Public Library. Throughout the year, the book bikes were part of summer outreach events and maintained a regular presence in the Bronte area, including Bronte Heritage Waterfront Park and RBC Royal Bank (Lakeshore), thanks to a valued partnership with the Bronte BIA. This ongoing initiative helped raise awareness of OPL programs and services while connecting directly with residents of all ages.

During the summer, OPL also partnered with Downtown Oakville BIA to provide the highly anticipated Books & Bubbles program each week in Town Square. Participants enjoyed a children's storytime and had the opportunity to play with bubbles in the beautiful morning sunshine.

As the weather cooled, it brought the annual celebration of Ontario Public Library Week (OPLW) from October 20-26. OPLW is one of the many opportunities the library has to raise awareness of the library’s valuable role in the Oakville community. The weeklong festivities were kicked off with a special talk by Canadian Olympian Maya Meschkuleit. Meschkuleit, who regularly visited OPL's Central Branch growing up, shared her inspiring journey to become a silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics and illustrated how libraries are not just places for books, they are lifelong spaces that nurture creativity, learning, and aspirations.

In April, OPL launched the Customer Satisfaction Survey with a goal of better understanding the needs and wants of the community and customers we serve. The library collected 261 responses in 2024 . As a true testament to the hard work and dedication of library staff, the survey revealed an average satisfaction score of 9.0/10, with over 75% of respondents highly satisfied with the value they receive from OPL. We would like to thank all survey participants, and we encourage customers to continue to share their valuable feedback with us.

As technology continues to evolve, so does OPL. in 2024, OPL was exited to announce a refresh of the Interlibrary Loan (ILLO) Platform. The updated user interface and enhanced features allow for easier access and a seamless process. ILLO is a service that allows OPL cardholders the opportunity to borrow books, DVDs, and audiobooks from other participating public libraries in Ontario.

Strengthening service, access and support 

Libraries are more than just places to borrow books – they are hubs of connection, wellness, and personal growth. In 2024, OPL proudly launched several new services and hosted special programs, events and exhibits, all designed to support lifelong learning and strengthen community well-being. 

OPL's annual Seed Library  flourished in 2024, with more than 18,000 seed packets distributed to residents – the most successful campaign to date. The seed library initiative promotes a culture of sharing within our community while providing hands-on experiences that allow customers to better understand agriculture and sustainability. 

One of the year's most impactful additions to our collection was the launch of Cognitive Care Kits, in partnership with Acclaim Health. These kits support individuals living with dementia and provide educational resources for their respective caregivers. Designed for early, mid, and late stages of disease, the kits include puzzles, games, and sensory tools aimed at maintaining cognitive function and providing meaningful moments of connection. 

In partnership with the Oakville Community Foundation, OPL hosted the Debwewin: Truth Project's Exhibit at four branches throughout June, in recognition and celebration of Indigenous Heritage month. The immersive exhibit featured the history and culture of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, which offers a better understanding of past and present Treaty relationships in Oakville.  

In honour of National Indigenous People’s Day, OPL and the Oakville Community Foundation hosted a special poetry reading with former Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Chief, R. Stacey Laforme, at Glen Abbey Branch. Laforme read from his second book, “Love Life Loss and A Little Bit of Hope.” The event was held to share about the Sacred Trust Foundation that rallies the community to “raise consciousness, expand allyship, and foster reconciliation.” 

Spring brought many events to the library for our booklovers:   

Evening in the Stacks, an after-hours event where OPL staff shared their top book picks for the season, plus opportunities for conversations amongst fellow readers, and literary themed games.   

Indie Author Showcase, a celebration of our local and independent authors.   

Author visit from Marilyn Lightstone, an iconic Canadian actress and artist who read a selection of poems from her publication, Nocturne: Poems to Linger Over.  

Battle of the Books, a book trivia competition in partnership with the Halton District School Board and the Halton Catholic School Board for  elementary school students.  

Mystery Author Panel, featuring famed authors Iona Whishaw, Hannah Mary McKinnon and Shelly Sanders, the panel discussed the inspiration for their characters and how they craft these engaging stories.  

The annual Summer Reading Challenge was a major success which drew over 4,000 eager readers, our highest number in the past decade. The Summer Reading Challenge is a beloved library tradition for promoting literacy and foster the joy of reading amongst kids. 

OPL continues to celebrate culture activities through our community-led philosophy for programing. In 2024:  

For Lunar New Year, OPL hosted author Catherine Little to collaborate at a “Literary Creations” program, combing stories with artful crafts.  

For Black History month, OPL has partnered with Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Oakville Museum, and authors Sheila White and Jason Mott, to bring a variety of programming to the community.  

To better reflect the diversity of Oakville, we expanded our multilingual programming with the introduction of Mandarin Storytimes at Iroquois Ridge Branch. After a successful reception, Arabic Storytimes were launched in the fall, offering children and families language-rich experiences in their home languages and creating inclusive spaces for early literacy. 

In celebration of Pride festivities, OPL offered two unique programs. In support of Oakville youth, OPL partnered with Pflag Halton to offer a monthly youth group meetup, Queer Peers, hosted at Iroquois Ridge Branch. The library also brought back storytime and conversations with famed drag artists Fay and Fluffy. The artists facilitated storytime for families filled with fun and music, followed by conversation sessions for youth centered around the themes of diversity and acceptance.  

For Seniors Month in June, OPL offered new programs in support of older adults in our community: specialized art programs, Monarch butterfly exploration, tea therapy, tech help and dementia education sessions. 

OPL honored Treaties Recognition Week by hosting programs like the Moccasin Identifier Project and sharing resources to educate the community about the importance of treaties in Canadian history.  

Through these programs and more, OPL continued to prioritize well-being and inclusion – supporting Oakville’s residents in living healthier, more connected lives. 

Indigenous Knowledge Guide 

With support from the Government of Canada's Community Service Recovery Fund, OPL established an Indigenous Knowledge Guide initiative as a key part of our community engagement and outreach initiatives. The Indigenous Knowledge Guide plays a crucial role in promoting cultural understanding and strengthening community connections. The Guide will share knowledge through various programs and events, including talking circles where participants can learn about Indigenous cultures, protocols, and traditions in a collaborative, respectful, and culturally safe environment.

In November 2024, Oakville Public Library officially announced Stephen Paquette of the Wikwemikoong First Nation as our local Indigenous Knowledge Guide. Stephen is well-regarded by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous community leaders, as well as municipal leaders, and is a trusted educator supporting Truth and Reconciliation efforts across Halton.

Oakville Remembered 

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Catherine Hurley, Cogeco, and OPL staff, the Oakville Remembered series, a significant local history project originally created by the Oakville Community Foundation as a millennium initiative, has been fully restored and made accessible to the public. This series features interviews with ten Oakville residents, offering personal reflections on key aspects of the town’s history. Previously incomplete due to a missing volume, the collection has now been digitized and uploaded to OPL’s YouTube channel, with the full DVD set also available for borrowing. This restoration underscores the library’s commitment to preserving Oakville’s heritage and highlights the power of community partnerships in making local history accessible and engaging for all.

In 2024, Oakville Public Library experienced meaningful growth in fundraising and community engagement, helping to strengthen and expand library services and initiatives. Thanks to a strong network of supporters, OPL continues to generate vital funding that enhances programs and supports innovative offerings for all ages.

This steady and heartfelt support reflects the community’s deep appreciation for the library’s role and helps ensure OPL remains a place of learning, connection, and opportunity for everyone in Oakville.

As we look ahead, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. To learn more about becoming a donor or community sponsor, visit opl.ca/donate.

Thank you Friends of Oakville Public Library 

The Friends of Oakville Public Library  is a dedicated volunteer committee committed to enhancing the library’s role in the community through fundraising and advocacy. This small but passionate group works year-round to support OPL by organizing book sales, participating in outreach initiatives, and engaging with residents at local events.

The committee’s popular book sales are a cherished Oakville tradition, offering affordable books to the public while raising vital funds for library programs. These events not only promote literacy but also help strengthen the connection between the library and the community it serves.

To stay up to date on upcoming book sale dates, visit opl.ca/friends or pick up a Friends bookmark at your local OPL branch.

Thank you to the following community partners who showed their support in 2024. 

• Acclaim Health  

• Achēv Employment, Newcomer, Language and Youth Services  

• Adult Learning Centre  

• Alcoholics Anonymous  

• Alzheimer Society of Halton of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton  

• Angela Bellegarde – Tapwewin Indigenous Insights  

• Amica Glen Abbey 

• Archives Ontario 

• Bronte BIA  

• Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton  

• Centre for Diverse Learners 

• Civitan Club of Oakville  

• Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton  

• Community Development Halton  

• Community Living Oakville   

• Connection in Action  

• Conservation Halton  

• Downtown Oakville BIA  

• First Ontario Credit Union 

• Food for Life  

• Front Line Outreach  

• Garth Webb Secondary School  

• Gary Allen  

• Halton Black Voices 

• Halton Environmental Network  

• Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable (HEDR)  

• Halton Healthcare  

• Halton Information Providers  

• Halton Region  

• Halton Regional Police Service  

• HaltonParents  

• HMC Connections  

• International Dyslexia Association Ontario  

• James W. Hill Public School  

• Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation  

• Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre  

• Oakville and Milton Humane Society  

• Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts  

• Oakville Chamber Orchestra  

• Oakville Chinese Network Society  

• Oakville Community Foundation  

• Oakville Fire Department 

• Oakville Galleries   

• Oakville Museum  

• Oakville Parent Child Centre  

• Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital  

• Oakvillegreen Conservation Association  

• Ontario Ancestors Halton-Peel Branch  

• Ontario Bar Association  

• Ontario by Bike  

• Ontario Caregiver Organization  

• Ontario Parks  

• Our Kids Network  

• Pflag Halton 

• Parents for Children’s Mental Health  

• Project Autism (Halton Youth Disability Advisory Council)  

• Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre 

• RBC Royal Bank, Bronte and Trafalgar Branches  

• Regional Learning Centre  

• Re-Imagine Ontario  

• River Oaks Community Centre 

• Service Canada 

• Sheridan College  

• Sherry Ssaevil – Indigenous Education Lead, Halton District Catholic School Board  

• Shoppers Drug Mart, Trafalgar & Cornwall  

• Sixteen Mile Sports Complex 

• Starbucks, Westoak Trails  

• St. Luke’s Community Centre  

• Taste of Columbia 

• The Centre for Skills Development  

• The Community Oak Park  

• The Positive Health Network 

• Thomas Merton  

• Toronto Rock Athletic Centre  

• Town of Oakville   

• United Way Hamilton Halton  

• Visit Oakville  

• Volunteer Halton  

• Volunteer Halton Senior Connectors  

• White Oaks Secondary School 

At OPL, our greatest strength lies in our team. Every day, our staff go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service and ensure that the library is a vital resource for the community. Whether answering a  question, guiding a resident through digital platforms, leading educational programs, or ensuring our spaces are welcoming and accessible, the volume and variety of their work are integral to the library’s success. 

In 2024, OPL reinforced its commitment to professional growth by investing in our staff to provide over 1,800 hours of training covering leadership, customer service, intellectual freedom, advocacy, accessibility, and Indigenous cultural knowledge. These learning opportunities, combined with team-building events and internal knowledge-sharing, helped staff stay connected, engaged, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of Oakville residents. 

A highlight of the year was the annual Staff Development Day in the fall, a full-day event that united team members from across all branches. It was a day of learning, collaboration, and celebration of shared values, strengthening our collective ability to serve the community effectively. The dedication of OPL’s staff, combined with these investments in their growth and well-being, ensures that the library remains a vibrant, dynamic hub that empowers individuals, fosters connection, and enriches lives. 

Planning for growth – rooted in heritage, and guided by innovation and purpose 

2024 marked the official launch of the planning phase for a new Central Branch. Scheduled to open in 2028. the new branch will relocate from 120 Navy Street to 193 Church Street, just a five-minute walk away from its current location. Comparable in size to the current Central Branch, the facility will feature breathtaking views of both Lake Ontario and the Sixteen Mile Creek, and preserve roots of the original building, the Oakville Post Office. The modern building and enhanced service points will meet the growing needs of Oakville's residents and business community.  

In summer 2024, the esteemed architecture firm Perkins&Will Canada was awarded the design contract for the new facility. OPL then embarked on an extensive consultation process with Oakville residents, staff, key stakeholders, and local organizations to gather ideas, feedback, and aspirations for the future branch. 

Crucially, the design process includes a deep commitment to Indigenous perspectives. With guidance from Indigenous Knowledge Guide Stephen Paquette of the Wikwemikoong First Nation and in partnership with Smoke Architecture, OPL hosted a series of consultations with local Indigenous community members to ensure the new space reflects Indigenous knowledge, heritage, and design principles. Read the Public Engagement Reports at opl.ca/NewCentral.  

In October, OPL hosted a special event featuring George Farrow, the original architect of Central Branch; Ron Baird, the Canadian artist behind several of the branch’s iconic public art installations; and Andrew Frontini, lead architect for the New Central Branch. Together, they shared stories and ideas about the legacy of Central Branch and the exciting path ahead.  

2025 will be capped by the anticipation of the opening of the new Sixteen Mile Branch in early 2026, as part of the Town of Oakville’s Sixteen Mile Sports Complex Development Project which will include a new recreation and culture facility, library and park spaces. The new complex and library branch will be located at 3070 Neyagawa Boulevard, Oakville. The new branch will be 18,000+ square feet, and offer a variety of work, study, collaboration and creative spaces; reading and conversation areas; children’s spaces including a dedicated outdoor children’s play area; a teen area; programming spaces; robust print and media collections; public access computers, Wi-Fi and creative equipment.