Me & My Library

What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?

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  Family fun

  by Selena, about 2 months ago
  

  We love going to our local public library as a family. It is a great place to connect with others in our community. We have made many new friends at story time.
  We look forward to visits at the library for many years to come.

  
  
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  Our family library

  by Rayah2, about 2 months ago

  My family has been going to the Greenboro Library since it opened in 2006. My first child was born that year, so she grew up going with me to get books, then to toddler reading gatherings, to meet friends and have a place to go to outside the house that didn't cost any money. When my second was born, I would take out books for the older child to read constantly. We could never have afforded to buy all the books my kids have read over the years, and the games and the movies... After the kids were in school... Continue reading
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  Homeschool Budget Saver

  by Kat B, about 2 months ago

  We are a homeschooling family and we love the library! There is always more to learn, more to dive into, and the resources at the public library are invaluable. If I had to buy all of the books we borrow for our children's education, we'd be broke!

  My kids come home with piles of books from each visit. This guarantees me a few minutes to myself, too.

  
  
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  Fuelled my love of books

  by unice5656, about 2 months 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.
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  Movie night was always a special time

  by Mircea Andreescu, about 2 months 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.
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  Friends of Tai Chi classes for the Community

  by Lila , about 2 months 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
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  A third place to read and think

  by Nelly, about 2 months 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
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  A Safe Haven

  by safi826, about 2 months 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!
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  A learning space for my kids

  by NZL, about 2 months 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
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  The last safe haven where no money is spent

  by Jillian W, about 2 months 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