OPL Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026

Message from the Board

Libraries continue to be a transformative force within our communities—we shape, impact and enrich the lives of hundreds of Oakville residents each and every day. OPL aspires to be the destination in Oakville to learn, create, be and work. The 2022-2026 Strategic Plan* and updated mission, vision, and values will help us get there.

The world has fundamentally changed and, in response, OPL’s new Strategic Plan will guide how we address the digital divide, remain a reliable source of information, provide educational supports, and offer a place in which to experience culture and recreation. With the library as an important anchor in the community, Oakville residents will experience greater awareness, access, and use of library services in ways that uniquely serve their needs.
 
Thank you to the community members who shared their feedback through the public consultation process, on how they want to see OPL best serve them. We heard you and will continue to remain a safe space for everyone—one that provides equitable and barrier-free access to library services, meaningful customer experiences, engaging programming and events, increased access to technology and accessible services, and specialized resources that cater to our population of diverse cultures and abilities.
 
For over 125 years, OPL has built community connections, and our values of fostering discovery, creativity and providing access to literacy and information still hold as true today as they did upon our inception. We also recognize our responsibility in Truth and Reconciliation and are committed to a continuous learning journey in allyship. As we look ahead, we will continue to innovate, build strong intergenerational relationships within the community, and encourage lifelong learning to ensure everyone can reach their full potential. This new Strategic Plan provides guidance on how OPL will better inform, engage, and connect with Oakville residents within the four identified Pillar priorities. Oakville residents will experience greater awareness, access, and use of library services in ways that uniquely serve their needs.
 
Councillor Jeff Knoll
Chair

Meet the Oakville Public Library Board

Vision, Mission, Values

Vision

Connecting people to what inspires them.

Mission

We bring together people, information and ideas to enrich lives and build healthy communities.

Values

• Equitable Access
• Curiosity
• Belonging
• Lifelong Learning
• Intellectual Freedom
• Exceptional Service

Our Process

This Strategic Plan is the culmination of an extensive, months-long community engagement process that included a wide-reaching survey, dozens of interviews, workshops, and focus groups.
 
When we set out on this journey, we looked at ways we could engage with residents who do not use the library and those who are underserved. Our goal is to always engage with our customers, and continually improve our service and reach for all Oakville residents.
 
We are committed to keeping the Oakville community at the heart of everything we do.

__________
*In 2023, the OPL Board extended the Strategic Plan from 2022-2024 to 2022-2026.