Me & My Library

What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?

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• Share Fuelled my love of books on Facebook Share Fuelled my love of books on Twitter Share Fuelled my love of books on Linkedin Email Fuelled my love of books link

  Fuelled my love of books

  by unice5656, about 3 hours ago
  I was the kid who went to the library every week and walked out with a stack of novels high enough that I had to be careful not to drop any! The library was my place to discover new authors and my portal to fantastical worlds of the imagination. Living within walking distance of a library was such a huge blessing and I can confidently say it contributed to my success in both creative writing and academics.
• Share Movie night was always a special time on Facebook Share Movie night was always a special time on Twitter Share Movie night was always a special time on Linkedin Email Movie night was always a special time link

  Movie night was always a special time

  by Mircea Andreescu, about 3 hours ago
  When my children were young I would set out to the library and check out any DVDs for a movie night on the weekend.

  
  

  I always look back fondly over those times when the children were so happy to watch movies rented from the library, such as the Harry Potter series, the Star Wars movies, or other action or adventure type movie.
• Share Friends of Tai Chi classes for the Community on Facebook Share Friends of Tai Chi classes for the Community on Twitter Share Friends of Tai Chi classes for the Community on Linkedin Email Friends of Tai Chi classes for the Community link

  Friends of Tai Chi classes for the Community

  by Lila , about 4 hours ago
  A small local group of Tai Chi practitioners, who are part of Friends of Tai Chi, wished to share this wonderful Art within the local community. There are so many wonderful long-term health benefits one can experience by learning Tai Chi; Master Moy's teachings, in particular, as the moves are adapted to improve our health.

  
  

  In collaboration with the Sunnyside Branch of the OPL, we have been able to offer bi-weekly classes for anyone interested in joining at no cost to the public. The opportunity the Library has provided us has been appreciated by so many!!

  Our initiative has been... Continue reading
• Share A third place to read and think on Facebook Share A third place to read and think on Twitter Share A third place to read and think on Linkedin Email A third place to read and think link

  A third place to read and think

  by Nelly, about 4 hours ago

  I returned to the library sometime during the pandemic when the services were open again. I renewed my card and began taking out books in all formats. The branch I visit in Barrhaven is spacious, with desks, chairs, and tables available to sit and enjoy the view outside through the windows, reflect on what I'm reading, and observe a micro-community in action. It feels good to go to a public space, enjoy some alone time away from the everyday niggles, and not have to buy a coffee or my time at a table lest I be robbing a business out... Continue reading
• Share A Safe Haven on Facebook Share A Safe Haven on Twitter Share A Safe Haven on Linkedin Email A Safe Haven link

  A Safe Haven

  by safi826, about 4 hours ago
  I absolutely love the public library!! It was a safe haven for me during a seasons of unemployment where I was able to come to my local branch and sit and look for jobs without the typical distractions at home. I also have gotten into e-books this year and have deeply valued OPL's express e-book platform. Most of the books I've read this year have been on express, which means I've been able to check them out very quickly and frees up the line of holds for non-express books.

  Thank you OPL!
• Share A learning space for my kids on Facebook Share A learning space for my kids on Twitter Share A learning space for my kids on Linkedin Email A learning space for my kids link

  A learning space for my kids

  by NZL, about 5 hours ago
  My daughter was diagnosed with Dyslexia a few years back. Since then, I registered her for specialized tutoring which takes place twice a week for 1hour sessions. The tutor does not have a vehicle and the trek to my place was too long through public transit. We therefore opted to meet at an Ottawa Public library that was close enough for her to walk to and close enough for me to drive to. The library has provided a warm space for my daughter to receive tutoring.

  
  

  Additionally, we always go in either an hour early or stay an hour later... Continue reading
• Share The last safe haven where no money is spent on Facebook Share The last safe haven where no money is spent on Twitter Share The last safe haven where no money is spent on Linkedin Email The last safe haven where no money is spent link

  The last safe haven where no money is spent

  by Jillian W, about 5 hours ago
  Life is getting increasingly more expensive, it seems that going out to do something might set you back a few bucks!

  But the library is that one place with so much to offer, and still free to the public. Reading provides me with immense meaning in my life, and I would not be able to read the quantity that I do without the library. A hobby with no sign up fees or costs.

  I make sure that everyone I know has a library card, because there is always something it can offer to someone.

  Thank you to the librarians of... Continue reading
• Share Finding Warmth in Winter: A Day at the Library on Facebook Share Finding Warmth in Winter: A Day at the Library on Twitter Share Finding Warmth in Winter: A Day at the Library on Linkedin Email Finding Warmth in Winter: A Day at the Library link

  Finding Warmth in Winter: A Day at the Library

  by Soungui & Alycia Koulamallah , about 5 hours ago

  On cold winter days, my husband and I love to escape into the warmth of the downtown library. There's something so cozy about browsing the shelves, discovering new books, and then settling in to read while staying snug inside. It’s one of our favorite ways to enjoy the quiet of winter, surrounded by stories, ideas, and the peaceful atmosphere that only a library can offer.
• Share The Equalizer on Facebook Share The Equalizer on Twitter Share The Equalizer on Linkedin Email The Equalizer link

  The Equalizer

  by cecOmine, about 5 hours ago
  Hello, I write to explain the importance of libraries in my life.

  The primary reason for my love of libraries is that prior to retiring, I taught English at the high school level. Books were and are my life. There was something wonderful that happened when I had a library day and set my students loose in our school library. They could not get in fast enough and before long, even my reluctant readers were off in a corner with a book or a magazine. Escaping the tyranny of chairs and desks, they could sprawl anywhere on the carpet and... Continue reading
• Share The OPL has enriched my life in a multitude of ways on Facebook Share The OPL has enriched my life in a multitude of ways on Twitter Share The OPL has enriched my life in a multitude of ways on Linkedin Email The OPL has enriched my life in a multitude of ways link

  The OPL has enriched my life in a multitude of ways

  by Janet Ginsburg Cohen, about 5 hours ago
  I started visiting the Carlingwood branch of the OPL in the mid 1950s.

  I had a dear cousin who worked as a librarian there and it made my visits that much more special.

  Over the years I was a consistent borrower of books and I took advantage of the excellent reference section.

  I also was grateful for various tutorials that helped my with technology and typing skills.

  I am so very grateful to have so many branches and services available.

  Long may our libraries prosper.