Me & My Library

What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?

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  Libraries Save Lives

  by NMarbles, about 2 years ago

  I don’t know where my love of libraries started. My love of books started early. By the time I was 12, I was reading things way too inappropriate for a girl my age; King, VC Andrew’s, TeenBeat 😂 (Thats’s showing my age but it was 1987 🤷‍♀️) I was skipping school to hang out at the local library when I was in grade 8. My high school English teacher gifted me a book of poems graduating year and I studied English at Carleton. So, I’ve always loved books and their many houses. When I moved to Barrhaven 19 years ago... Continue reading

  I don’t know where my love of libraries started. My love of books started early. By the time I was 12, I was reading things way too inappropriate for a girl my age; King, VC Andrew’s, TeenBeat 😂 (Thats’s showing my age but it was 1987 🤷‍♀️) I was skipping school to hang out at the local library when I was in grade 8. My high school English teacher gifted me a book of poems graduating year and I studied English at Carleton. So, I’ve always loved books and their many houses. When I moved to Barrhaven 19 years ago, I sought out my local library right away. Ruth E Dickinson became my second home. For almost two decades I’ve been coming here. I’ve raised my boys amongst these stacks. I’ve taken courses online inside your silence. I’ve been through hell and back while researching mental health in those comfy chairs. Your walls have seen me at my best and my worst. Your librarians have shown me kindness when they didn’t even know they were saving a life. It’s not just the books and the building. I am forever grateful for what this library has given me. A warm place to find refuge. Knowledge and comfort in dark times and in good. Thank you for what you provide. I wish more people knew your comfort. Could heal a lot of wounds.
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  I am the books I read

  by Garry B., about 2 years ago

  I started school at age six in Chatham Ontario. I walked the half-mile to Central School and because I had already learned to read, I crossed the street to the local library and was a regular borrower of children's books. I remember enjoying Raggedy Ann and Andy and, until I left Chatham for college, I was a regular visitor to the Chatham library. By age twelve I was in love with science fiction and devoured the newly published works of Heinlein, Asimov, and Bradbury, to name a few.

  Now, as an octagenarian here in Ottawa. my taste is in nonfiction... Continue reading

  I started school at age six in Chatham Ontario. I walked the half-mile to Central School and because I had already learned to read, I crossed the street to the local library and was a regular borrower of children's books. I remember enjoying Raggedy Ann and Andy and, until I left Chatham for college, I was a regular visitor to the Chatham library. By age twelve I was in love with science fiction and devoured the newly published works of Heinlein, Asimov, and Bradbury, to name a few.

  Now, as an octagenarian here in Ottawa. my taste is in nonfiction and I am delighted with the services offered by the public library. Using the comprehensive website, I can recommend purchasing books; I can check what books are on order; and I can request books and put a hold on new and exciting publications. The staff at Alta Vista and Greenboro are very helpful and pleasant to everyone. The Ottawa Public Library is a bibliophile's dream and I hope all Ottawans appreciate this wonderful facility.

  Garry Bowes
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  A Cradle to Grave Community Resource

  by meimaa, about 2 years ago
  Entering motherhood, I worked part-time and took my two children to the Rosemount branch library regularly for baby and toddler time programs with Jennifer. We enjoyed participating in the programs, checking out books and meeting other parents and children from the neighbourhood. It is such a valuable meeting place for parents who may feel isolated at home with young children.

  My children continued to visit the library on their own as young children, became too cool for it as teens and are now making their way back to different branches to browse the shelves.

  I went back to working full-time... Continue reading

  Entering motherhood, I worked part-time and took my two children to the Rosemount branch library regularly for baby and toddler time programs with Jennifer. We enjoyed participating in the programs, checking out books and meeting other parents and children from the neighbourhood. It is such a valuable meeting place for parents who may feel isolated at home with young children.

  My children continued to visit the library on their own as young children, became too cool for it as teens and are now making their way back to different branches to browse the shelves.

  I went back to working full-time and no longer visit the library as I used to. Now, I reserve books online and drop in only to pick up the book. After reading, I dash out of the car to pop the book into the outdoor return bin.

  In retirement, I hope to hang out at my local library in Bells Corners, meet my neighbours and become a volunteer.

  
  

  
  
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  Learning a new language

  by Rachel Strohm, about 2 years ago

  The library has been an especially important resource to me over these past few months. I recently moved to Ottawa from South Western Ontario where I had zero exposure to French. Moving to Ottawa I quickly realized how common it is for citizens to know both languages. I enrolled myself in French classes, and part of my process has been to check out early French reader books from the library every week. At $10+ a book this is something I would never afford to do if I was having to purchase these books. The library has been a pivotal resource... Continue reading

  The library has been an especially important resource to me over these past few months. I recently moved to Ottawa from South Western Ontario where I had zero exposure to French. Moving to Ottawa I quickly realized how common it is for citizens to know both languages. I enrolled myself in French classes, and part of my process has been to check out early French reader books from the library every week. At $10+ a book this is something I would never afford to do if I was having to purchase these books. The library has been a pivotal resource to help me learn the French language.
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  My Third Place

  by oliviaslin, about 2 years ago
  Growing up, drawing was something very fun and a great pass time for my friends and I. We did anything in our power to stay inside during middle school recesses to draw. A large majority of our recesses involved staying indoors in our schools library to draw, make comics and tell funny stories.

  
  

  As we moved into high school, we found we had less time to spend with eachother in this type of way. We realized that the Ottawa Public Library was a great place to spend time together after school. We would take out fashion books, drawing books, cooking... Continue reading

  Growing up, drawing was something very fun and a great pass time for my friends and I. We did anything in our power to stay inside during middle school recesses to draw. A large majority of our recesses involved staying indoors in our schools library to draw, make comics and tell funny stories.

  
  

  As we moved into high school, we found we had less time to spend with eachother in this type of way. We realized that the Ottawa Public Library was a great place to spend time together after school. We would take out fashion books, drawing books, cooking books, manga etc and sit together and try to replicate the images or come up with our own! The library became a huge part of my highschool experience. Wether it was to draw, study or have some peaceful time away from home- the library was always there to welcome me and become my much needed third space!

  To this day, I still enjoy visiting the public library and taking advantage of its many programs and services that not many people know about. I know that once I decide to return to college, that I always have this third space to study and relax when I find it hard to do so!
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  rebguenette@gmail.com

  by RebLast, about 2 years ago
  Last fall, I discovered Libby, OPL's electronic lending service, and have been using it continuously. What a wonderful service! I can listen to audio books and rent e-books without ever having to leave home! As a member of Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton, I've also spoken at events sponsored by the OPL. This provides a wonderful way for Master Gardeners to expand our reach and better serve the community of Ottawa gardeners. Many thanks to OPL for all that you do. - Rebecca Last-Guenette

  Last fall, I discovered Libby, OPL's electronic lending service, and have been using it continuously. What a wonderful service! I can listen to audio books and rent e-books without ever having to leave home! As a member of Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton, I've also spoken at events sponsored by the OPL. This provides a wonderful way for Master Gardeners to expand our reach and better serve the community of Ottawa gardeners. Many thanks to OPL for all that you do. - Rebecca Last-Guenette
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  Safety Net

  by Donelda Joan, about 2 years ago
  As an 82 year old now,having moved to Ottawa just 6 years ago, and being a voracious reader on a limited budget,I really appreciate the Bookmobile stop outside my door. I can drive now but someday I won't be able to & I'm grateful that books that stir my mind will still be easily accessed.

  As an 82 year old now,having moved to Ottawa just 6 years ago, and being a voracious reader on a limited budget,I really appreciate the Bookmobile stop outside my door. I can drive now but someday I won't be able to & I'm grateful that books that stir my mind will still be easily accessed.
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  I love libraries, but regognize the disconnect between these institutions and youth today.

  by OJ, about 2 years ago

  I think that the library should do further outreach, namely in schools.

  In particular, OCDSB and OCSB K- 12 schools where many classes are over- full and under- staffed.

  Many children are very capable and only need a bit of extra 1:1 sessions specific to their need in any particular subject. To promote literature, self- worth, and self-determination, the library needs to reach out to these students who are not aware of the opportunities it holds. In this modern technological day and age, the library needs to step toward youth who are stepping away from it. They need to be... Continue reading

  I think that the library should do further outreach, namely in schools.

  In particular, OCDSB and OCSB K- 12 schools where many classes are over- full and under- staffed.

  Many children are very capable and only need a bit of extra 1:1 sessions specific to their need in any particular subject. To promote literature, self- worth, and self-determination, the library needs to reach out to these students who are not aware of the opportunities it holds. In this modern technological day and age, the library needs to step toward youth who are stepping away from it. They need to be deliberate in their engagement, and let youth know that they are all capable and worthy of harnessing their education, and developing their prospective post- secondary and career goals.

  When I was in elementary and high school, I loved to read. I knew the role of the library and how to access it. It helped fill in gaps of important (historical) educational topics that are deliberately omitted from curriculums in this country's school systems. Many youth these days do not even know what it takes to get a library card (and that it is free).

  For the library to truly fulfill its role in the community, it needs to be proactive in this day and age, or risk losing future generations to the temptations and self- degradation that are rampant in this technological age.
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  Working as a Volunteer at the OPL

  by Diksha K, about 2 years ago
  Last winter, I really wanted to utilize some rare free time by getting back into volunteering. Being a lifelong lover of libraries (I still possess every library card I've had since I was a child), I wanted to volunteer at an Ottawa Public Library branch. I proposed a publication-focused writing group at the Rosemount branch and it was the best thing I have done this year. The library staff is so helpful and just a joy to work with, especially Kelly at the Rosemount branch. The people I met through the writing group were kind and inspiring, so much so... Continue reading

  Last winter, I really wanted to utilize some rare free time by getting back into volunteering. Being a lifelong lover of libraries (I still possess every library card I've had since I was a child), I wanted to volunteer at an Ottawa Public Library branch. I proposed a publication-focused writing group at the Rosemount branch and it was the best thing I have done this year. The library staff is so helpful and just a joy to work with, especially Kelly at the Rosemount branch. The people I met through the writing group were kind and inspiring, so much so that we still keep in touch with each other about our writing. I started the Rosemount Writing Collective with the goal of providing a welcoming space for people who are working on specific writing projects. As the volunteer "leader", I did not provide any writing advice. All we did two times a month was get together at the library, write, and share our writing with each other. It had to have been the magic that libraries all over the world are imbued with that made the experience so memorable for us all, as we really didn't do anything special. Libraries hold the space for ordinary people to dream bigger and hope for better things.

  
  

  I'm not volunteering at the library this fall due to work obligations, but I am excited to go back to doing it. I want to walk in and see the comforting, familiar faces of the staff. I want to see patrons of different kinds, some reading and some resting because they know they are in a safe space. I want to go back and be a part of bringing some meaning to the lives of those who come to the library, and my own. Until then, I will keep checking out all the wonderful media the OPL provides for the community, and lingering a little longer by the shelves in the hopes of taking some of that library magic home with me.
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  The Ottawa Public Library helps me to give back to the community

  by Chris Taylor, about 2 years ago
  Since 2008, the Ottawa PC Users' Group has partnered with the Ottawa Public Library. We provide skilled presenters who give technology-oriented presentations. The Library provides facilities and registration capabilities.

  I personally have given over 500 presentations at 26 library branches over the 16 years (and counting!) of the partnership. I am thrilled to be able to share my passion for technology with the citizens of Ottawa and want to express my deep thanks for the wonderful staff of the Ottawa Public Library who have made this possible.

  Since 2008, the Ottawa PC Users' Group has partnered with the Ottawa Public Library. We provide skilled presenters who give technology-oriented presentations. The Library provides facilities and registration capabilities.

  I personally have given over 500 presentations at 26 library branches over the 16 years (and counting!) of the partnership. I am thrilled to be able to share my passion for technology with the citizens of Ottawa and want to express my deep thanks for the wonderful staff of the Ottawa Public Library who have made this possible.