Me & My Library

What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?

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  It Takes a Village (and a Library)

  by _taylormade_, over 1 year ago
  

  It Takes a Village (and a Library)

  When I was a child, I loved dogs and hated going to after-school daycare.

  While still in primary school, going home by myself to an empty house while my mother worked was simply out of the question; she would not hear of it.

  In retrospect, the aftercare program I’d attended seems like a lot of fun now (time for sports, cooking, and crafting – I’d kill for that as an adult!) But at that time and being the introvert that I was, I just wanted to decompress by myself at the end... Continue reading

  It Takes a Village (and a Library)

  When I was a child, I loved dogs and hated going to after-school daycare.

  While still in primary school, going home by myself to an empty house while my mother worked was simply out of the question; she would not hear of it.

  In retrospect, the aftercare program I’d attended seems like a lot of fun now (time for sports, cooking, and crafting – I’d kill for that as an adult!) But at that time and being the introvert that I was, I just wanted to decompress by myself at the end of a long day.

  After significant back-and-forth on the issue, my mother and I finally came to a compromise; I would not be forced to attend aftercare each day, but nor would I be permitted to return home by myself after school. Instead, a magical third option materialized: go spend time at my local public library.

  Here is the part where you may expect me to gush about the myriad literary worlds that I explored every day after school, transported by my love of reading, yes? No.

  No, instead of flitting from fantasy to science fiction, roiling romances to romans français, I only ever felt compelled to visit one section of the library.

  Dogs.

  That’s right, every weekday at around 3:30PM, I would haul my ten-year-old ass to the library, stroll over to section 636.7, select half-a-dozen giant hardcover books exclusively on the subject of dogs, and then go to town on them until around 6:00PM.

  Back then, I had a type when it came to books, and because that type (section 636.7, as I said) was located on the main floor, practically next to the library’s entrance, I never strayed far, never flirted with another genre. YA fiction who? Didn’t even occur to me. I was loyal as a dog, you could say.

  From The Dog Bible to Cesar’s Way to Dogs for Dummies, I read them all.

  I could explain start-to-finish, how to assess one’s household for puppy readiness to how to mourn the loss of a furry family member.

  I could rattle off the seven American Kennel Club (AKC) dog group categories (Herding, Sporting, Hounds, Working, Toy, Non-sporting, and “Miscellaneous”), the most suitable dogs for training (Sporting, Working if you have the spine, Herding if you have the sheep or sheep-substitute), and the health perils of each breed (hip dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers, eye issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, pretty much everything in English Bulldogs.)

  Every now and then, I picked up a canine lovers’ magazine and challenged myself to name the photo of each breed pictured on sight (Pekinese, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Border Collie, Mixed Breed.) No peeking at the captions.

  From the tone of these books, I had a sense of which authors/trainers relied on techniques rooted in achieving dominance rather than a relationship-based philosophy towards dogs, before such training divides were commonly discussed (or maybe I just wasn’t tuned into those discussion – after all, I was a kid at the library!) I felt righteous when I found a “mistake” in a book (such as when an author said that smacking a dog with a newspaper was acceptable), and mentally recited what the “correct” author would say (re-direction is a substitute for physical discipline that does not risk harming your dog psychologically.)

  Perhaps to your surprise, there was no wagging-tailed friend waiting to greet me at home post my library “after-school program.” In fact, the absence of a dog of my own may be the reason why I researched the canine world so intently and so singularly. It would be more than a decade later before I first adopted a pup of my own – her name is Sappho (Rottweiler), and you can see her picture attached.

  I want to thank the library for giving my young weirdo dog-lover self a place to be, a place to learn, and a place to process the world after those long days at school.
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  Finding my Ancestors

  by Sefton H., over 1 year ago

  I have an unusual last name which is Hungarian in origin, although my ancestors from the 19th century lived in the Baden region of what is now Germany. I knew that in the 1840s my Great-Grandfather, together with his elder sister and younger brother, moved from Baden to England. From what my Father had told me I knew my Great-Grandfather's first name, but I didn't know the names of his brother and sister. In 2017, I set out to find them. Knowing that that the Library had access to the Ancestry genealogy system, I visited my local library branch (Beaverbrook)... Continue reading

  I have an unusual last name which is Hungarian in origin, although my ancestors from the 19th century lived in the Baden region of what is now Germany. I knew that in the 1840s my Great-Grandfather, together with his elder sister and younger brother, moved from Baden to England. From what my Father had told me I knew my Great-Grandfather's first name, but I didn't know the names of his brother and sister. In 2017, I set out to find them. Knowing that that the Library had access to the Ancestry genealogy system, I visited my local library branch (Beaverbrook) and with help from the library staff I was soon searching through the Ancestry database. I easily found the name of the brother, plus the dates when my Great-Grandfather and his brother died, but the sister remained a mystery.

  Thankfully the library again came to my rescue. Later in 2017, the Beaverbrook branch held an introductory session on genealogy, including using Ancestry. I eagerly signed-up and learned a lot, including the names of other genealogy websites which can often contain details not present in Ancestry. Armed with that information I not only found my Great-Grandfather's sister (the breakthrough was finding her Last Will and Testament), but have learned details about my ancestors in Baden dating back to the early 18th century. In all, I have identified my ancestral family as including eight generations in Baden dating from 1701-1911, two generations in Transvaal (now part of South Africa) from1896-1988 and four generations in England from 1843-2002.

  There is always more to discover; that's one of the nice things about genealogy - the search never ends. But none of this would have happened without the facilities and programs offered by the Ottawa Pubic Library.

  Friendly suggestion to OPL: Bring back the "Introduction to Genealogy" presentation - similar to the one given at the Beaverbrook branch in 2017.
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  language and song at the library

  by alisonm, over 1 year ago

  I will never forget one visit to the Ottawa Public library. I went with my two young sons around 2019-2020- not sure. It was a cold winter afternoon and I was eager to get the kids out of the house. We sat there on the library floor starring up at the musicians, instruments in hand, singing into the microphones. They sang in Cree, English and French. Their voices carried messages of hope with sparkling eyes and a deep moving passion. I looked behind me and there was a row of older looking folks, all sitting on chairs. They too had... Continue reading

  I will never forget one visit to the Ottawa Public library. I went with my two young sons around 2019-2020- not sure. It was a cold winter afternoon and I was eager to get the kids out of the house. We sat there on the library floor starring up at the musicians, instruments in hand, singing into the microphones. They sang in Cree, English and French. Their voices carried messages of hope with sparkling eyes and a deep moving passion. I looked behind me and there was a row of older looking folks, all sitting on chairs. They too had grins on their faces and squinting, sparkling eyes-- they appeared to be from the northern part of Canada-- with anoraks embellished with beautiful embroidery. One song, called "We are Human" -- its beat connected me with everyone around me. I remember glancing at this particular audience member from the corner of my eye. He had tears rolling down his cheeks during a sad song then beamed with pride when they sang in his language. I was so moved by their songs that I went after the performance and bought a couple of their CDs. They were generous and kind-- and gave me one for free. This was the first time I had heard the band Twin Flames. I had looked it up randomly on the OPL website and had found the event at Rockcliffe Library. After the event-- we visited the rest of the library and took out a number of books. What an unexpected and wonderful experience at a library.
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  My Happy Place: A Space to Imagine, Create, and Share!

  by AnnaS, over 1 year ago
  

  The Imagine Space at the Nepean Centrepointe Library is truly my happy place. Discovering this space has changed my life. Over the years, I’ve met countless creative individuals, each working on unique projects, which has been incredibly inspiring.

  In this vibrant environment, creativity knows no bounds. It’s a place where ideas flourish, projects come to life, and connections are forged. I find inspiration in every corner and joy in collaborating with fellow creators. Whether I’m crafting something new or sharing experiences, this space truly embodies the spirit of imagination and community.

  As an artist, I’m continually amazed by the opportunity... Continue reading

  The Imagine Space at the Nepean Centrepointe Library is truly my happy place. Discovering this space has changed my life. Over the years, I’ve met countless creative individuals, each working on unique projects, which has been incredibly inspiring.

  In this vibrant environment, creativity knows no bounds. It’s a place where ideas flourish, projects come to life, and connections are forged. I find inspiration in every corner and joy in collaborating with fellow creators. Whether I’m crafting something new or sharing experiences, this space truly embodies the spirit of imagination and community.

  As an artist, I’m continually amazed by the opportunity to bring my visions to life with the laser cutters. I’ve created deeply personal gifts that have touched many hearts. There’s something incredibly rewarding about spreading joy and putting a smile on someone’s face.

  The staff at the Imagine Space are wonderfully kind and always greet us with warm smiles. We are so fortunate to have access to the free resources offered by the library.

  Thank you, OPL—we truly appreciate you!
  
  

  
  

  
  
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  Libraries are a part of our Family Story

  by Julie Krupp, over 1 year ago

  Like every young working mom, my work week was busy. Saturdays, however, were special. A day for my toddler, Michael, and I to spend time together. We had a routine. We were living in Kitchener at the time. Our first stop was the library. I would do a quick pic for myself but most of our time was spent in the bright and welcoming children's section. We were there every week, so it was also familiar, as was his absolutely favourite book, "The Animal Cafe" by John Stadler".

  The main branch of the library shares a parking lot with the... Continue reading

  Like every young working mom, my work week was busy. Saturdays, however, were special. A day for my toddler, Michael, and I to spend time together. We had a routine. We were living in Kitchener at the time. Our first stop was the library. I would do a quick pic for myself but most of our time was spent in the bright and welcoming children's section. We were there every week, so it was also familiar, as was his absolutely favourite book, "The Animal Cafe" by John Stadler".

  The main branch of the library shares a parking lot with the police station. The space was filled with police cars and motorcycles - an exciting destination for a little boy. Through the parking lot with an armload of books, we make our way to do a little shopping at the famous Kitchener farmer's market. Lunch at the Scott Street Bakery was eaten on the premises but a Strawberry shortcake was boxed for the last stop our our Saturday field trip - tea at Michael's grandparents. A lovely day that created memories for all involved and most importantly, a love of reading for my son.

  I am now living in Ottawa and newly retired. Life has come full circle, and my son has introduce me to Libby, the free library app. I love it! In Michael's late teens he became visually impaired and although he has lost much of his sight, he has never lost his love of books. While Mike is dependent of audio books, for me they are a luxury. We have all used the handicap button to open a door when our arms are full. Audio books allow me the pleasure of being read to while multi-tasking. I especially love when the author narrates they own story. Recently it has felt as though Jan Arden, Elon Musk and JD Vance have all sat at my kitchen table. Telling their stories, while I ironed, cooked or cleaned the kitchen cupboards.

  I still visit the brick and mortar building on Main Street Stittsville. The result is a small stack of hard covers carried home for both my husband and I to savour. The Libby App is as convenient as my phone and provides hours of education, information and entertainment.

  Libraries are a part of our family story.
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  Nine Year Old Spelling Bee Champ on Why She Loves the Library

  by Jbayley , over 1 year ago

  Why I Love the Library

  There are many things I love about the public library. We moved to Canada in 2021 and our local library was very friendly and welcoming to us. I discovered the Canadian author Charis Cotter there and I’ve checked out many of her books. I would recommend Charis Cotter’s “The Dollhouse”. Our library has a very big children’s section, in the graphic novel section I discovered the series “Lumberjanes” by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen and ND Stevenson. I like that it’s set in a magical summer camp and the girls have adventures together.

  The... Continue reading

  Why I Love the Library

  There are many things I love about the public library. We moved to Canada in 2021 and our local library was very friendly and welcoming to us. I discovered the Canadian author Charis Cotter there and I’ve checked out many of her books. I would recommend Charis Cotter’s “The Dollhouse”. Our library has a very big children’s section, in the graphic novel section I discovered the series “Lumberjanes” by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Gus Allen and ND Stevenson. I like that it’s set in a magical summer camp and the girls have adventures together.

  The library has made a big impact on my vocabulary and has helped me expand it with books like the series “Phoebe and her Unicorn” by Diana Simpson. Her books taught me words like ‘ascended’, ‘photosynthesis’ and ‘amok’. The library has books on many different topics, so I can check-out whatever I find interesting. Over the summer I found “When the Sea Turned to Silver” by Grace Lin, it was so good I also checked out her book “Chinese Menu”. She tells the origins of many Chinese dishes like rice, oolong tea, and red bean soup. My mom and I made spicy congee, it was delicious.

  I like that the library is very close to us, sometimes we ride our bikes there. I feel grown-up checking out books by myself, since I have my own library card. Recently I checked out “The Hedgehog of Oz” by Cory Leonardo, I like “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” series by Frank L Baum too. My mom’s favorite thing about the library is that it is free, and there isn’t a limit to how many books I can check out. I read the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stine books very quickly, it wouldn’t be practical to buy them and finish them in one day. I think it’s important that libraries are free, so everyone can learn and expand their vocabulary at no cost.

  The local library is a very fun place to learn new words and be inspired. I am so glad that we have such a wonderful place that’s close to our home.
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  Home Away from Home

  by A.R., over 1 year ago

  I've been going to the library since I was 16 years old. Now at 54, I still feel the warmth of the library in my life. Having a library to visit so close to my home, is such an incredible gift from God. I feel so lucky to be able to go to the library as often as I need to, all because of its proximity to my home. The Ottawa Public Library, is really the only place I can spend time to relax outside of my home. The library provides a safe place for me to spend my time... Continue reading

  I've been going to the library since I was 16 years old. Now at 54, I still feel the warmth of the library in my life. Having a library to visit so close to my home, is such an incredible gift from God. I feel so lucky to be able to go to the library as often as I need to, all because of its proximity to my home. The Ottawa Public Library, is really the only place I can spend time to relax outside of my home. The library provides a safe place for me to spend my time when I'm not home. It's incredibly important to me that I feel free and safe in my community and in my life.
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  Special Hub For Common Interests

  by Julie R, over 1 year ago

  The library is a place for sharing common interests. It is a hub of resources and information, made as accessible as possible to the community. As a movie lover, not only can I attend screenings of interesting films, but I can also stream and borrow them from the collection. It’s also the closest experience to visiting a rental store (as a former Blockbuster employee – R.I.P.) I can get! I’ve also slowly been discovering what other services the library has to offer, and love being able to keep track of everything from their website. I highly recommend the library to... Continue reading

  The library is a place for sharing common interests. It is a hub of resources and information, made as accessible as possible to the community. As a movie lover, not only can I attend screenings of interesting films, but I can also stream and borrow them from the collection. It’s also the closest experience to visiting a rental store (as a former Blockbuster employee – R.I.P.) I can get! I’ve also slowly been discovering what other services the library has to offer, and love being able to keep track of everything from their website. I highly recommend the library to everyone I talk to and hope to eventually visit every branch! My friend in Toronto mentioned they have an unofficial library passport, and it would be great to have one for Ottawa (wink wink!)
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  Grateful

  by rpfitzpatrick, over 1 year ago
  I've been a patron of the library since I was a young man. I've always enjoyed the ability to borrow books, music, later videotapes and DVDs.

  
  

  When my godson, now aged 29, was small, it was one of my great pleasures to bring him to the library. His excitement was infectious. We enjoyed many visits to the Carlingwood branch.

  Due to a congential deformity I've only been able to see using my left eye. In 2001 I damaged that eye. Following surgeries I was unable to read, a situation more heartbreaking than frustrating. But, again, the staff at Carlingwood and... Continue reading

  I've been a patron of the library since I was a young man. I've always enjoyed the ability to borrow books, music, later videotapes and DVDs.

  
  

  When my godson, now aged 29, was small, it was one of my great pleasures to bring him to the library. His excitement was infectious. We enjoyed many visits to the Carlingwood branch.

  Due to a congential deformity I've only been able to see using my left eye. In 2001 I damaged that eye. Following surgeries I was unable to read, a situation more heartbreaking than frustrating. But, again, the staff at Carlingwood and tghe Rosemount branch, were very helpful so I discovered a wondrous array of books on cassette. I borrowed them and listened as the stories recited.

  I have been legally blind since 2001. Through my struggles and various difficulties the Ottawa Public Library was a sanctuary.

  I will not forget the kindness and courtesy of staff members who helped me.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
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  Late to Public Libraries

  by Lindalibrary, over 1 year ago

  Late to Public Libraries

  Linda Standing

  I came late to public libraries although a love of reading had been instilled in me by my parents.

  In the first ten years of my life (‘47-‘57) I did not have access to a public library given where my family lived and later when we moved, there was a small one with not much choice for a person my age, but luckily my parents could afford to buy me books.

  I graduated with a MLS from the University of Western Ontario in ’71 and began work at the Faculty of Music Library. Circumstances... Continue reading

  Late to Public Libraries

  Linda Standing

  I came late to public libraries although a love of reading had been instilled in me by my parents.

  In the first ten years of my life (‘47-‘57) I did not have access to a public library given where my family lived and later when we moved, there was a small one with not much choice for a person my age, but luckily my parents could afford to buy me books.

  I graduated with a MLS from the University of Western Ontario in ’71 and began work at the Faculty of Music Library. Circumstances changed when my husband and I moved to Chatham and although I tried commuting on a daily basis it was too much and I had to resign. I applied successfully to the Chatham Public Library and that is where my love of public libraries began!

  What an eye opener it was, giving me access to a whole new world! The things I learned in response to patrons’ questions, the authors I found who I had not been aware of and of course the staff who were such a pleasure to work with. I was hooked and with subsequent moves I continued to work at public libraries. Even in retirement they are critical to me. I dabble in writing, but unlike some authors I like to write in a public area. So I go to the public library each day and spend about two hours writing and researching on their public access computers. And when June arrives, I lament the loss of being able to go on Sundays. Given the time I now have for reading, the public library provides me access to the many books I read and that quantity would be much less if I had to purchase each one.

  As a result of libraries I love to do research, even the smallest things. For instance if a question comes up when I’m talking with a friend I immediately have to look up the answer. My friends simply roll their eyes at me but they also appreciate the answers I find.

  I tried to instill a love of reading in my grandchildren. My oldest grandchild, at first was not a fan, and if anyone gave her a book as a present she would turn to me and say “here you go Nanny, you love books”! I took her to story times which she enjoyed but she was more excited about using the self-checkout machines. Today she enjoys reading.

  The library offers a much wider variety of programming now with my favourites being the ones when authors come to talk about their books. I also appreciate and love the many events OPL cosponsors, especially those with the Ottawa Writers Festival and Library and Archives Canada.

  The reciprocal borrowing that OPL has with area post secondary institutions is very useful. Although I could get the books I want through interlibrary loan, going to one of these libraries allows me to get the books I want faster.

  Libraries are now valued as community spaces where anyone can come, spend some time and not have to purchase anything.

  Libraries have changed dramatically since I began using and working in them and will continue to do so in order to remain relevant. They are critical to our society.