2022 Report to the Community

The library started 2022 on a high note, with the return to branch hours of operation closer to its pre-pandemic schedule. This change ushered in an increase in library usage across the board with new residents getting library cards and joining the OPL community, more in-person visits to its branches and express locations; and a higher volume of items borrowed. Furthermore, public computer usage tripled, public printing more than doubled, and attendance at OPL's programs and events was outstanding!
 
Circulation of both physical and digital collections also increased, showing that use of library resources continues to be a key factor in people’s choice to visit OPL. Much of the increase in digital circulation is due to the introduction of PressReader (newspapers from around the world) and the continued popularity of LinkedIn Learning (career and skills-based learning for adults), while the use of some other digital resources has decreased in the past year with customers’ return to regular work, school, and leisure schedules.
 

Highlights: 

Public libraries across Canada are striving to become leaders in building community connection with tangible outcomes through their work on Truth and Reconciliation. The library continually seeks to elevate and centre the voices of Indigenous Peoples and celebrate their rich cultures and traditions. But deep lasting change can only come when we, as individuals, commit to doing the work, learning the truths, and holding our governments accountable.

Debwewin Oakville and OPL

In 2022, as part of its commitment to propel reconciliation forward across the community, OPL joined Gimaa (Chief) R. Stacey Laforme’s Ally Leadership Council, along with 14 other organizations, who have either signed the Commitment to Truth and Allyship, or have created their own, and have committed to sharing Acts of Allyship. Launched at Sheridan College during Treaty Recognition Week in November 2022, the Acts of Allyship and Grateful Treaty Person campaign is a community-based initiative encouraging individuals and organizations to engage in actions to propel reconciliation forward throughout the community. Acts of Allyship aims to encourage residents to sign an online commitment form and access the Grateful Treaty Person toolkit (an online learning resource), in preparation for Treaty Day, which was held on February 28, 2023.

“When we all work together, we can become the lake of change. We can each become a raindrop of change and we can form that lake”
– Mississaugas of the Credit Elder Peter Schuler, Lead Debwewin Advisory Council

Reconciliation through hands-on learning

There was expanded Indigenous arts and culture programming through the library’s Community Conversations series (see the section “One card… to inspire and connect”). The library offered a Woodland Paint class with acclaimed artist Patrick Hunter, and the library hosted award-winning author Joshua Whitehead for a virtual book talk on Indigenous culture and history. Indigenous centered storytimes were held in partnership with the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre (TRAC), where Toronto Rock lacrosse players helped to teach and share more about the game of lacrosse and the game’s Indigenous roots. These programs provided a space for community members to learn and engage with Indigenous perspectives, histories, and experiences through arts and sports.

Raising awareness

Truth and Reconciliation was an ongoing journey in 2022. OPL put forth several initiatives to highlight Indigenous voices and experiences.

Community Conversations

In support of OPL’s strategic pillar: “Enriching lives and building healthy communities”, OPL launched an innovative series called Community Conversations. OPL worked with community partners to help Oakville residents better engage in thoughtful discussions on social issues and polarizing topics, ranging from mental health to racial equity. The monthly themes over the course of the year engaged the Oakville community with featured speakers, virtual and in-person sessions, tours of local museums, as well as book clubs, reading lists and book displays.

Guest speakers included distinguished individuals whose unique perspective generated curiosity, inquiry and discussion. In October, James L. Turk, Director of the Centre for Free Expression joined Board Chair Jeff Knoll in a rousing panel discussion on the dangers of inhibiting Intellectual Freedom and the impact on society. November’s programming was headlined by “An Evening with Elamin Abdelmahmoud.” Elamin is a well-known CBC radio host and author of the critically acclaimed book Son of Elsewhere: A Memoir in Pieces, which explores the realities of emigrating from Sudan to Canada at the age of 12 and finding one’s home in a new land. Another highlight from the Community Conversations series was an Art and Music Night hosted by Aiden Lee and Friends from the Halton Youth Disability Council. The virtual workshop encouraged connection, acceptance and belonging. Several participants expressed the positive impact the session had and marveled at the art that resulted!

Over 400 people across the Oakville community benefited and participated in these events throughout the year.

“It helps to connect people within the community, feel part of the community of people with similar interests.”
– OPL customer

Beyond the library walls

For those looking for adventure, OPL stepped up to lead the way! For the second year in a row, the library brought back the successful seasonal lending programs for lifejackets, sports equipment kits and park passes, thanks to our partners at the Town of Oakville, Toronto Rock, Conservation Halton and Ontario Parks, respectively.

Library on the Go Book Bike in Bronte Village
In July 2022, OPL’s first Library on the Go Book Bike launched a Friendly Finds program, thanks to an activation grant from the Bronte BIA. The book bike was stationed at beautiful Bronte Heritage Park, inviting parkgoers to enjoy a free book while viewing the stunning waterfront backdrop. Over the summer, this initiative put over 1,000 gently used books back into hands of the Oakville community. It was so popular, that the book bike had to be restocked once a week over the summer! Thanks to the generosity of RBC Royal Bank, the book bike later moved from the park to its winter home at RBC’s Bronte branch. This provided Bronte residents the opportunity to find gently used books over the fall and winter months.

Connecting with Oakville's youth


In an effort to strengthen its connection with teens, OPL introduced teen categories for the Grab and Go pickup bags and OPL Picks for You services. The categories were developed in consultation with Oakville teens to provide this demographic with a variety of young adult reading options and opportunities for personalized book-matching.

Public libraries are beloved institutions that offer value for everyone to help nurture their creative pursuits. OPL is committed to creating equitable access and diverse learning opportunities to encourage Oakville residents to live inspired lives.  In 2022, the library expanded its program roster to include more offerings for newcomers (e.g., Conversation Circles in English and French); Indigenous arts and culture programs; Library Pals (for teens with neurodiversity or differing abilities); and technical support workshops, such as iPad Essentials. OPL also expanded its physical and digital collections by adding more multilingual titles and materials for diverse learning abilities.

Summer Reading Challenge

As part of OPL's annual Summer Reading Challenge (SRC), Oakville community members were once again invited to select their own adventures. Participants of all ages were encouraged to imagine and explore endless adventures through stories. Each year, the library offers an ambitious summer reading program and partners with local organizations to deliver programming. In 2022, partners included the Oakville Museum, Oakville Galleries and Oakville Green. The SRC wrapped up with a fun and lively Kub Kar Race event at the Glen Abbey Branch – the first such event at OPL. This event combined the well-loved Take & Make approach with an in-person program.
In total, the SRC welcomed 1,814 registrants, and 114 SRC programs had a combined attendance of 3,296 attendees.

Launch of Kindergarten-Readiness Programming

Building on the Every Child Ready to Read framework, OPL offered programming designed to inform and support children and their families as they prepare for kindergarten. Themes explored included social emotional learning, gross and fine motor, and early literacy and numeracy skills. This program was an addition to the already-existing and successful suite of literacy-based programs and services, such as the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading challenge and family storytimes.

Library Pals

Central Branch introduced the Library Pals program, which paired teen volunteers with peers who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The interactive sessions consisted of an afternoon of activities, snacks, and games. The response was positive, and many parents and caregivers have expressed a desire to expand Library Pals for children as well.

Creation Zone

Creation Zones, or interactive makerspaces, are a highlight of OPL. Located in the Glen Abbey Branch and Iroquois Ridge branches, Creation Zones are the ultimate space for budding and seasoned creatives looking to hone their skills and explore new technology. In 2022, the library supported Oakville’s DIY community with unique learning programs including sewing, laser cutting, photo printing, button making, photography 101, virtual reality exploration, technology certification programs, and graphic design. 

An emphasis was placed on supporting Oakville teens by borrowing from popular culture with and offering sessions for fans of the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons and the TV series Stranger Things, to name a few, and integrating them into creative projects using the Cricut machines, 3D printers and Adobe Creative Suite design programs. 

Growing our Collections

• OPL’s collections were enhanced with the addition of special reading materials to support literacy development for customers of all ages: 

Seed Library

Gardens in Oakville benefitted once again from the return of OPL's very popular Seed Library at all branches, distributing over 6,000 seed packets. Customers enjoyed growing their own plants, harvesting their own food, and participating in this community-wide sharing initiative. The OPL Seed Library was established in 2017 and continues to operate because of generous donations made by avid Oakville Public Library supporters, Richard and Barbara Birkett. We are grateful for their commitment to building and strengthening a culture of sharing and sustainability within the Oakville community. The OPL Seed Library continues to run on support with donated seeds from Ball Seed, a Chicago-based company, and the Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society.

In 2022, OPL spearheaded many initiatives to improve services for customers, and continue to champion free and equitable access in its library spaces, especially for seniors and those with unique physical needs. The library’s Accessibility Policy was approved in September 2022. Updated accessibility procedures reinforce the library’s commitment to the wellbeing of the communities it serves.

Here are the highlights of OPL's 2022 initiatives:

Accessible spaces

Improved services

Inclusive programs

Community engagement and outreach is the ethos at the core of the library's programs and collections and its support of, and from, the community.

Highlights:

Thank you to our community partners who showed their support in 2022:

Thank you to our donors!

Donor Impact

Oakville Public Library impacts its town and changes lives in many meaningful ways. Thank you to everyone who donated, and most importantly for sharing your library love – your generosity is making a difference. Public libraries are beloved institutions that offer something of value for everyone. You have told us how much you love libraries and wish to pass on that love to generations of OPL customers in the community.

OPL is grateful for the extraordinary impact its donors have on the library's ability to meet the ever-changing needs of the Oakville community. Your gifts ensure that everyone in Oakville can access the resources, programs, and services they need at OPL – in safe and welcoming spaces.

We are delighted and grateful for the generosity and commitment to community that our donors have provided. Your contributions amplify and accelerate our mission to enrich lives and build healthy communities.

In 2022, your donations empowered OPL to invest funds into areas where they are most needed, such as the Community Conversations Series.

When you donate to OPL, you have the unique opportunity to invest in the well-being of our town by supporting the programs, services, and community spaces upon which the Oakville community rely. When you support OPL, you positively impact Oakville.

People are the heart of our library. OPL’s staff and volunteers are its backbone and work tirelessly to support everyone who comes through our doors to be inspired, to connect, to create and/or to learn. In 2022, investments made in staff training included program delivery efficiency, dementia awareness, emergency procedures and incident reporting process improvements. 

Staff at OPL also shared their knowledge through presentations to their library peers at the 2022 Ontario Library Association’s annual conference. OPL staff delivered several sessions about innovations in customer service at OPL, genealogy and family history, advocacy, storytelling and fundraising.

The library is also grateful to its network of volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts throughout the library system. In 2022, OPL hosted 88 adult and youth volunteers who gave 1,596 hours of their time and enthusiasm.

Thank you to OPL staff and volunteers who do an amazing job every day!

Friends of the Library (FOL)

The Friends of the Oakville Public Library (also known as FOL) is a group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing library programs and services within the community. In 2022, the FOL had a significant impact on OPL’s programs and services. Through book sales and other fundraising activities, the FOL helped to greatly enhance those programs and services.

Since 1998, the FOL has raised over $450,000 in support of OPL’s programs, services and collections. Due to the pandemic, book sales and fundraising activities were suspended until 2022 and in June 2022, the FOL welcomed the community back to OPL with their first book sale since 2020.

A huge shout-out to the FOL for their unwavering support. Here are a few of their 2022 milestones: