Me & My Library
Shaping the future of Ottawa Public Library service plans
Help shape Ottawa Public Library’s future. We're collecting stories to understand how the library and its services have made a difference in your life.
We want to know what you love about the library and how the library could better serve you.
Your stories, collected here and in branches across the city, will guide the development and evaluation of library services.
You can find additional information about the library's service plans at the following link: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/service-delivery-framework
Shaping the future of Ottawa Public Library service plans
Help shape Ottawa Public Library’s future. We're collecting stories to understand how the library and its services have made a difference in your life.
We want to know what you love about the library and how the library could better serve you.
Your stories, collected here and in branches across the city, will guide the development and evaluation of library services.
You can find additional information about the library's service plans at the following link: https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/service-delivery-framework
What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?
Is it the friendly faces and support? The feeling of endless possibilities? The space to do what you need to get done? Whatever it is, the library wants to know. Share your original art, photos, stories, poems, videos, or whatever feels right.
Share your story, help shape ours.
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Centrepoint/Nepean Branch
by OttawaE, about 1 month agoI've always loved to read and was an English teacher for 28 years. The library saves me money because I will always have books to read and over a wide range. I recently checked out the young adult section and borrowed a couple books. A book about the poet Byron's daughter and what a talented mathematician she was, was particularly interesting. I also was able to read the history of the Nepean Library written by Phil Jenkins. I am a volunteer garden at the original building, now the Nepean Museum.
I sometimes sit down to read through popular magazines, again... Continue reading
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Libby Services/Feedback!
by vampiresaturn, about 1 month agoLibrary is great to have and it saves money, but it can be improved, especially the online app Libby(especially the downloading part being pretty bad ) and physical books availability, as you often you have incomplete series, usually the first volume being the one missing.
Also the more popular genders should have some predefined search tags such as "Hugo" and
"Nebula" awards for science fiction and fiction.Pulitzer and Nobel prizes for classical literature etc.
Not enough original French books (not from QC) in the novelities section.
May want to offer a streaming service, instead of DVDs and such.Keep... Continue reading
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Accessibility
by vampiresaturn, about 1 month agoI am a frequent user of the online audio books you have available. I am mobility challenged and also have difficulty with my vision. I have always been an avid reader, so the audio books are a true gift for someone in my position. They open the world for me and also provide entertainment that I would otherwise not be able to take advantage of. Please take into consideration those similarly afflicted as you decide what to stock in the new library.
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Backyard Bookmobile Library
by resplendentverdant, about 1 month agoWe recently discovered that the bookmobile comes to our neighbourhood. Ever since, we've gone (almost every week) for 2 years! My children look forward to it on a weekly basis, and we take out anywhere between 10-20 books a week, both FR and EN. We also borrow video games and museum passes. Through these experiences, my children have:
- discovered a love for books, developed a sense of patience (we put many books on hold and need to wait for them to become available/arrive at the bookmobile)
- developed a sense of responsibility to minimize footprint (we no... Continue reading
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Community members
by EMLincoln, about 1 month agoThe library branch at Elmvale Acres Shopping Centre provided a place to get away from tough stituations at home, and relaxe knowing I am in a safe space with staff that I can trust. Then later in my life, the OPL provided one of my first proper working experiences as a Teen Volunteer at the St. Laurent Branch.
The library has helped provide a safe space and some major experiences for me. It changed my life for the better, and I am ever grateful for that. -
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The day that gave me POWER
by Sahand, about 1 month agoOn May 4, 2024 i went to the library to study and do my work that i was not as good as in grade 11, that day where i did all my work convinced me i could learn anything literally had my potential up to Maximum capacity, on that day forward i started reading more books, i started learning new skills and hobbies and my responsibility level went higher day by day. its the most silent and calming area to either study or read. I say if you'd like to reach your potential see what the library has to offer... Continue reading -
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A quiet space for creative work
by jtphillips, about 1 month agoWhenever I really need to buckle down and get some work done on a story, poem, or an outline, the library is the perfect place to go. I bring my laptop or my writing notebook, headphones, and some music or rain sounds, walk to my nearest branch, and settle in to work for a couple of hours. My husband often comes with me to quietly keep me company and is, I am certain, in the process of reading through the library's entire collection of adult graphic novels. Whenever I am stuck or just need a chance of space to help... Continue reading
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Resource Hub
by Tembo, about 1 month agoThe library is a resource hub, and it has saved me thousands of dollars in the last decade and half. Most of the time, I need a book for only a chapter or some pages that are relevant (which would not justify buying the book). We cannot compete with other economies if we do not have access to a variety of knowledge resources and read them to acquire knowledge. -
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So many great resources
by CitizenSteve, about 1 month agoThe library is a tremendous public resource which I am very grateful for. While I always love a good book, the diversity of media available is great, and I really enjoy the music and movies on offer as well.
The digital collection in particular is something I get a lot of use out of. E-books are what I mostly use, and while old fashion books are also nice, the convenience of the digital collection is amazing, especially with the partner libraries.
I don't have any specific suggestions for future improvements, beyond continuing to maintain a relevant, diverse, and up-to-date collection... Continue reading
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My favourite public service
by re_discover, about 1 month agoThe Ottawa Public Library means a lot to me. To name a few examples:
- It helped me rediscover my love of reading after high school.
- The librarians are kind and friendly and help me set up my Kobo so that I can borrow e-books.
- During my lunch break at work, I could use the internet to check my emails when I was job and apartment searching.
- I was able to borrow audio books to listen to when I underwent eye surgery.
- I joined a book club and attended a wide range of events... Continue reading