Me & My Library

What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?

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  Stittsville Library

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  Oh, let me count the ways the Stittsville Library enriches my life.

  One of the first things I did upon moving here a couple of years ago was to get my library card. I quickly learned though that borrowing dozens upon dozens of books, most of them through interlibrary loan, is just one of many ways I benefit from and enjoy this library.

  It’s not always easy to entertain a young grandchild in an apartment but thanks to the library, I can always count on a couple of pleasant play hours. Everytime we go my little one makes a beeline... Continue reading

  Oh, let me count the ways the Stittsville Library enriches my life.

  One of the first things I did upon moving here a couple of years ago was to get my library card. I quickly learned though that borrowing dozens upon dozens of books, most of them through interlibrary loan, is just one of many ways I benefit from and enjoy this library.

  It’s not always easy to entertain a young grandchild in an apartment but thanks to the library, I can always count on a couple of pleasant play hours. Everytime we go my little one makes a beeline to the glass tower of shelves to see what’s new in the ever changing guessing games; of course this is followed by reading in the child-friendly section or playing a table-top game.

  I think of the Stittsville Library as my unofficial community center. I’ve participated in several day-time and night-time workshops and presentations ( cooking with spices, MAID, presentation on immigrants by a local author, environmentally responsible burials, how to live with local wild animals and a couple of artsy workshops). These are solid ways of staying on top of personally relevant topics, learning about local resources and meeting people, essentials throughout life.

  Besides all that I have borrowed and donated puzzles and books, enjoyed the displays by local artists and the Goulbourn Historical Society and even picked up some seeds for my JoJo’s Community Garden patch. In fact this past summer was the first time I’ve ever gardened and I did not spend one penny on seeds thanks to the library. Lettuce, carrots, onions, radishes, kale, beets anyone!

  But what is especially appealing to me about the Stittsville Library is the feeling I get when I spend time there. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, familial yet professional; I think this is so because of the people skills each and every member of the staff possesses. I always look forward to saying hello to whoever is on duty, except of course when I am simply whizzing in and out. Once or twice I even enjoyed an impromptu personal conversation on a shared concern. That is exceptional. Oh! I must not forget the two times I needed to read some very old historical manuscripts but these were only available for reading inside the downtown library. I am unable to drive in city traffic so I asked if I could read the manuscripts inside the Stittsville library and such an accommodation was made for me. I truly appreciated that.

  Well, that is my personal library story. I’ve always enjoyed this public resource throughout my adult life but the Stittsville branch stands out as a true community gem.
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  AVAILABILITY

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  I LOVED THAT AT ANY TIME I WAS LOOKING FOR A BOOK, THAT i COULD FIND IT IN ONE OF THE OTTAWA LIBRARIES AND HAVE IT AVAILABILITY FOR PICK UP AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY.

  I LOVED THAT AT ANY TIME I WAS LOOKING FOR A BOOK, THAT i COULD FIND IT IN ONE OF THE OTTAWA LIBRARIES AND HAVE IT AVAILABILITY FOR PICK UP AT MY LOCAL LIBRARY.
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  Libby

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  My Library I love Libby and have been using this app to get my books for the book club that I participate in, as much as possible. Often the waiting lists are too long and in order to get some popular books I have to resort to buying them online. I received an email recently saying that it is time to renew my library card. I was puzzled because I was advised to go to a branch to do so. In the past I have been able to do it by phone. But I went and was helped by staff... Continue reading

  My Library I love Libby and have been using this app to get my books for the book club that I participate in, as much as possible. Often the waiting lists are too long and in order to get some popular books I have to resort to buying them online. I received an email recently saying that it is time to renew my library card. I was puzzled because I was advised to go to a branch to do so. In the past I have been able to do it by phone. But I went and was helped by staff who explained that I owed a $2 fine for not picking up a book that I had reserved online through Libby. I had to wonder why I had received no notice of this fine (it was too small). So I paid the fine and luckily decided to complete my online business before leaving. It was then that I learned that much had changed since last year. I had to get a new OPL app instead of just using Libby as I had before. Getting the app took two tries and assistance from the library staff because it had recently been renamed and I did not find OPL in the app store…. Now I am set til next time. I would suggest that OPL try to communicate more with its “users”. The library could be notifying us of fines through email and sending out newsletters to announce changes, such as new apps.
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  A welcoming place in our community

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  One of the first things I did (after unpacking!) when I moved to Stittsville 5 years ago was to visit the Stittsville Library. The staff are all very knowledgeable, approachable and helpful. I have been organizing a small book club for the past 3 years in Amberwood and I really appreciate being able to borrow Book Club Kits with 10 copies of the selected book and even sample discussion questions, it makes the meetings and the club successful. I’m also volunteering in the local elementary school and I always take a great picture book from the Library to share with... Continue reading

  One of the first things I did (after unpacking!) when I moved to Stittsville 5 years ago was to visit the Stittsville Library. The staff are all very knowledgeable, approachable and helpful. I have been organizing a small book club for the past 3 years in Amberwood and I really appreciate being able to borrow Book Club Kits with 10 copies of the selected book and even sample discussion questions, it makes the meetings and the club successful. I’m also volunteering in the local elementary school and I always take a great picture book from the Library to share with the class. I enjoy bringing my 3 grandchildren to the Library. My oldest granddaughter is 9 and she knows how to use the library search computer to request her favourite graphic novels. There are also great books on display in the picture book section for my youngest granddaughter and they all enjoy the display cases and puzzles and colouring pages. Thank you for all that you do to make the Library a welcoming place in our community!
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  Pleasurable experience

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  I have strong memories of the Ottawa Library Bookmobile coming to our neighborhood on Anna Avenue in the Vets area near Westgate. It would park near W.E. Gowling School. I loved to go there and take out books to read. I have always had a strong desire to read and this bookmobile always had a great selection for young readers. The staff was always so helpful.

  I still have a library card today that I frequently use. I read about 200 books yearly.

  Going to the library has always been such a pleasurable experience for me. I am now 77... Continue reading

  I have strong memories of the Ottawa Library Bookmobile coming to our neighborhood on Anna Avenue in the Vets area near Westgate. It would park near W.E. Gowling School. I loved to go there and take out books to read. I have always had a strong desire to read and this bookmobile always had a great selection for young readers. The staff was always so helpful.

  I still have a library card today that I frequently use. I read about 200 books yearly.

  Going to the library has always been such a pleasurable experience for me. I am now 77 years old.
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  Special

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  Hello your library has been a huge staple in peaple lives. Some peaple do not have computers .and I have to mention your staff your resources have been amazing help for me .we never take the time to say thankyou for making a huge difference in my life!!big this library every leaves I would be lost and very disappointed. i often go there to buy books and videos too. its really a special place for peaple to read and have there photo copys and the help is a accurate the staff puts there heart into helping you achieve your goals.... Continue reading

  Hello your library has been a huge staple in peaple lives. Some peaple do not have computers .and I have to mention your staff your resources have been amazing help for me .we never take the time to say thankyou for making a huge difference in my life!!big this library every leaves I would be lost and very disappointed. i often go there to buy books and videos too. its really a special place for peaple to read and have there photo copys and the help is a accurate the staff puts there heart into helping you achieve your goals. thankyou .hopefully we can come up with wonderful ideas to keep the library here. Library's are historic we are losing alot of history. and our young children or future children need to know. thats what makes the library special for everyone!!
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  Earliest memories

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  My mother was a librarian - in public libraries and later with the Ottawa Carleton School Board. Some of my earliest memories are of libraries, and books. I have always been a regular library user - mostly to borrow (and recommend) books, but also to attend events. One of my volunteer commitments is to help newcomers to Ottawa find a welcoming place in the city. I have told many people about the library's services - including the availability of computers, and books in their mother tongue. I treasure the OPL - can't think of a better way to spend my... Continue reading

  My mother was a librarian - in public libraries and later with the Ottawa Carleton School Board. Some of my earliest memories are of libraries, and books. I have always been a regular library user - mostly to borrow (and recommend) books, but also to attend events. One of my volunteer commitments is to help newcomers to Ottawa find a welcoming place in the city. I have told many people about the library's services - including the availability of computers, and books in their mother tongue. I treasure the OPL - can't think of a better way to spend my tax dollars! I look forward to seeing the new national Archives, and Main Library building!
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  More educational DVDs!

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  For many years, my husband and I have been great fans of the library’s Great Courses series, especially the lectures on history. After retirement, these courses provided us with a great learning opportunity. But very sadly, in recent years, the library no longer purchases Great Courses’ DVDs on history. Rather, there seem to be a growing number of entertainment DVDs purchased by the library with no educational value! This is a very unfortunate policy change and a shift in library’s focus. Thank you for seeking feedback.

  For many years, my husband and I have been great fans of the library’s Great Courses series, especially the lectures on history. After retirement, these courses provided us with a great learning opportunity. But very sadly, in recent years, the library no longer purchases Great Courses’ DVDs on history. Rather, there seem to be a growing number of entertainment DVDs purchased by the library with no educational value! This is a very unfortunate policy change and a shift in library’s focus. Thank you for seeking feedback.
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  Emerald Library - The best friend a person can have is a book

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  Hello, I have been living in the beautiful city of Ottawa for less than a year. About 45 days after I arrived in Ottawa, I visited a library called Emerald. I really liked it. Since I am not yet fluent in English, I am studying the language. In the end, the best friend a person can have is a book.

  Hello, I have been living in the beautiful city of Ottawa for less than a year. About 45 days after I arrived in Ottawa, I visited a library called Emerald. I really liked it. Since I am not yet fluent in English, I am studying the language. In the end, the best friend a person can have is a book.
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  It is a must!!

  by resplendentverdant, over 1 year ago

  We have had two visits from our 5 and 6 1/2 year olds from St. Sauveur this summer. They love it when we read them stories.

  How wonderful for them to take out unlimited books. The 1st time it was 54 books and the second time around 30 books. If only I would have taken a picture of their happy faces as we left the library.

  We read stories during the day and every night they each picked 4 books before bed. What memorable moments.

  They can no longer visit Ottawa without a trip to the library. It is a... Continue reading

  We have had two visits from our 5 and 6 1/2 year olds from St. Sauveur this summer. They love it when we read them stories.

  How wonderful for them to take out unlimited books. The 1st time it was 54 books and the second time around 30 books. If only I would have taken a picture of their happy faces as we left the library.

  We read stories during the day and every night they each picked 4 books before bed. What memorable moments.

  They can no longer visit Ottawa without a trip to the library. It is a must!!