Me & My Library

What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?

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  Covid comfort

  by Louise Stewart , over 1 year ago
  During the pandemic, the library offered online zoom cooking classes. They were a great way to connect with people and have an event to look forward to. During one of the sessions the chef was doing his prep work and mentioned that he was using his favourite knife, which was from Lee Valley. Everyone that I knew that had signed up for the course Ordered the chef’s knife from Lee Valley! It’s an excellent knife and I have bought several as gifts for my family. I would not have known anything about it, had it not been for the library... Continue reading

  During the pandemic, the library offered online zoom cooking classes. They were a great way to connect with people and have an event to look forward to. During one of the sessions the chef was doing his prep work and mentioned that he was using his favourite knife, which was from Lee Valley. Everyone that I knew that had signed up for the course Ordered the chef’s knife from Lee Valley! It’s an excellent knife and I have bought several as gifts for my family. I would not have known anything about it, had it not been for the library! I now enjoy hoopla, Libby, and cloud, as well as the in-person jigsaw puzzle exchange! The library is an incredible resource, and one that should be sustained.
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  My Lifelong Journey with the Ottawa Public Library

  by Winston L, over 1 year ago

  From the time I was a child, the Ottawa Public Library has been a cherished part of my life. It was a place where I could immerse myself in stories and explore any topic that sparked my curiosity. The library provided me with invaluable resources (i.e., a wealth of books, access to printers, and the internet) which were essential throughout my schooling and education. The welcoming spaces and helpful staff made it a second home where learning was always encouraged.

  Now, as a parent of two young children, I continue to treasure the library as we visit together to discover... Continue reading

  From the time I was a child, the Ottawa Public Library has been a cherished part of my life. It was a place where I could immerse myself in stories and explore any topic that sparked my curiosity. The library provided me with invaluable resources (i.e., a wealth of books, access to printers, and the internet) which were essential throughout my schooling and education. The welcoming spaces and helpful staff made it a second home where learning was always encouraged.

  Now, as a parent of two young children, I continue to treasure the library as we visit together to discover children's books in both English and French. It's heartwarming to see my kids develop the same love for reading and learning in such a nurturing environment. The bilingual resources are especially valuable in supporting their language development and cultural appreciation.

  The Ottawa Public Library has not only shaped my own life but is now playing a significant role in my children's growth. I deeply appreciate all that it offers and look forward to seeing how it continues to evolve to meet the needs of families like ours. Thank you for being an indispensable part of our community.
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  Nurturing my love for Canadian Lit

  by SunnyF, over 1 year ago
  The collection at OPL has rarely, if ever, lacked a book that I looked up. I have been able to rekindle my love of reading and access more books by Canadian authors. I feel more connected to the literary world with my library card, and I have gotten back into doing something I love. I am very grateful for the ability to access so many resources and stories without going broke by buying every book in the world.

  The collection at OPL has rarely, if ever, lacked a book that I looked up. I have been able to rekindle my love of reading and access more books by Canadian authors. I feel more connected to the literary world with my library card, and I have gotten back into doing something I love. I am very grateful for the ability to access so many resources and stories without going broke by buying every book in the world.
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  For the love of reading

  by Sabrina D, over 1 year ago

  The Orleans OPL at Tenthline Road was a memorable place for me and my children. Being an avid reader, I wanted my young children to follow suite. Fulfilling my wish, they started to learn to read at the little age of four. Although adults now my daughters have not stopped their thirst for paper backed books even at this day and age where technology is taking over all aspects of literature. I will narrow my story to one of my kids who was into reading so passionately, that I used to borrow 10-15 children’s books at every visit, yes, we... Continue reading

  The Orleans OPL at Tenthline Road was a memorable place for me and my children. Being an avid reader, I wanted my young children to follow suite. Fulfilling my wish, they started to learn to read at the little age of four. Although adults now my daughters have not stopped their thirst for paper backed books even at this day and age where technology is taking over all aspects of literature. I will narrow my story to one of my kids who was into reading so passionately, that I used to borrow 10-15 children’s books at every visit, yes, we were allowed to borrow as many as we can carry then. She relied on her mom to select books for her and the library had a variety to offer helping her to open her mind to different situations, lives, ways of living, or traditions. By the age around 10, I could say she had read around 700 books, and I lost count as she continued to enjoy reading through her teenage years until she left Orleans. I have continued my visits and happy to have a quiet, clean library that offers a variety of services, open and accessible to the community, it's a is very important place to our family.
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  A Journey Through Pages: A Library Tale

  by Claudia Moura, over 1 year ago

  Once upon a time, in a new neighborhood she had just moved into, a new mother discovered a magical place filled with stories waiting to be told—the Hazeldean Library. With a tiny bundle of joy cradled in her arms, she ventured into the world of books, where the air was filled with the gentle whispers of pages turning and laughter echoing during the storytime sessions.

  Each week, as she and her baby entered the library, it felt like stepping into a storybook. The vibrant colors of the children's section beckoned them, and the friendly librarian greeted them with a smile... Continue reading

  Once upon a time, in a new neighborhood she had just moved into, a new mother discovered a magical place filled with stories waiting to be told—the Hazeldean Library. With a tiny bundle of joy cradled in her arms, she ventured into the world of books, where the air was filled with the gentle whispers of pages turning and laughter echoing during the storytime sessions.

  Each week, as she and her baby entered the library, it felt like stepping into a storybook. The vibrant colors of the children's section beckoned them, and the friendly librarian greeted them with a smile, ready to share tales of adventure, friendship, and dreams. It was there that her son’s imagination began to bloom, enchanted by tales of brave knights, clever animals, and magical lands.

  As the years flew by, the little boy grew from a curious infant into a spirited toddler, then into a young boy who couldn't wait to explore new worlds through the books they borrowed. And every night, without fail, they would cuddle up in bed, surrounded by stuffed animals, and embark on another adventure together. Each story brought them closer, igniting conversations that stretched far beyond the pages.

  Now, at 13, their nightly ritual continues—a cherished tradition forged in the warmth of the library. The stories they share have evolved, but the magic remains. The library isn’t just a building filled with books; it’s a place that has woven the fabric of their lives, nurturing a love for reading and togetherness.

  This journey through the library has been one of wonder and joy, a testament to the power of stories and the spaces that bring them to life. As they turn the pages together each night, the bond between mother and son grows stronger, filled with laughter, lessons, and a love that began in the heart of the library.

  And so, their story continues, a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin in the simplest of places. Thank you OPL, for being part of our family.
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  The best place to stay connected with a changing World

  by ARamirez, over 1 year ago

  All my life I have had so many questions! I have questions about myself, my family, my community, my city, my country, and the World in general. I love having questions because they push me to look for answers, and the more I try to find an answer, the more I see that I now new questions.

  At the Ottawa Public Library I have found many resources that help me answer many questions, but also I have found material that entice me to ask new questions and it's the search for answers that keeps me going to the library.

  
  

  The... Continue reading

  All my life I have had so many questions! I have questions about myself, my family, my community, my city, my country, and the World in general. I love having questions because they push me to look for answers, and the more I try to find an answer, the more I see that I now new questions.

  At the Ottawa Public Library I have found many resources that help me answer many questions, but also I have found material that entice me to ask new questions and it's the search for answers that keeps me going to the library.

  
  

  The answers have come in book form, audio, video. I can have those answers as physical copies or I can access them on my computer or on my phone. But walking to the library is always a way to keep up with my exercise (my branch in Orleans is about 1 km from home), and no matter the weather, since we are in Canada, it's a nice walk, through the fresh fallen snow in winter, the blanket of leaves in the Fall, the puddles in Spring, of contemplating the flowers in the neighbourhood gardens, getting there is part of the experience. Staff is friendly in both languages, they are knowledgeable about the collection.

  
  

  I think the City of Ottawa has a great library system. Thank you!
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  I have saved thousands of dollars thanks to the library

  by wageslave, over 1 year ago
  I use the library to save money to read fiction, non-fiction and play video games. They are also comfortable and clean respites in person with water and bathrooms.

  I use the library to save money to read fiction, non-fiction and play video games. They are also comfortable and clean respites in person with water and bathrooms.
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  A Place of Discovery

  by JB2, over 1 year ago
  Libraries are a place of discovery. Nestled within their walls, knowledge, advice, comfort and wonder are there for you to discover. The many branches of the Ottawa Public Library have always given me the chance to discover what I needed. Whether it was my first fantasy book as a child, launching me into worlds that I am still passionate about today, to new research articles that were the foundation of my university projects, to enticing video games that I otherwise would not have had the chance to enjoy.

  
  

  I grew up in the library and discovered so much. So go... Continue reading

  Libraries are a place of discovery. Nestled within their walls, knowledge, advice, comfort and wonder are there for you to discover. The many branches of the Ottawa Public Library have always given me the chance to discover what I needed. Whether it was my first fantasy book as a child, launching me into worlds that I am still passionate about today, to new research articles that were the foundation of my university projects, to enticing video games that I otherwise would not have had the chance to enjoy.

  
  

  I grew up in the library and discovered so much. So go to your local library. Educate yourself on the many services, participate in the upcoming events and simply look around, because you never know what you might discover (one day soon, it could even be a fantasy book or two that I've written!).
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  Boredom saver

  by Unreasonablewomyn, over 1 year ago
  I am a senior and by choice (somewhat) prefer to live a life of solitude, however, last year it became pretty much not a choice anymore as I developed leukemia. I have have sleep disorders, so I can be ready to go at midnight and I can never plan an outing as I do not know what shape I will be in during the day, so I go out very little, so I have turned to the Ottawa Public Library for e-books and read 100s of books a year. I will never read the same book twice, and I could... Continue reading

  I am a senior and by choice (somewhat) prefer to live a life of solitude, however, last year it became pretty much not a choice anymore as I developed leukemia. I have have sleep disorders, so I can be ready to go at midnight and I can never plan an outing as I do not know what shape I will be in during the day, so I go out very little, so I have turned to the Ottawa Public Library for e-books and read 100s of books a year. I will never read the same book twice, and I could not afford print books and neither do I now have, having downsized, the space to store them and what for since I will never read the same book twice.

  
  

  I read all books on my cell phone, via the Ottawa Public Library e-book app and I read for many hours in a day and hope one day soon I can actually physically visit a branch, just for fun and say hi to the staff, as I used to. My branch is Sunnyside at Bank as I am in Old Ottawa South but just walking over there now is a problem as I am more senior by the day and walking is now 'difficult'.

  
  

  Thank you for breaking my feeling of total isolation. :)

  
  

  
  
• Share Thank you OPL, especially Rideau branch and ILL team on Facebook Share Thank you OPL, especially Rideau branch and ILL team on Twitter Share Thank you OPL, especially Rideau branch and ILL team on Linkedin Email Thank you OPL, especially Rideau branch and ILL team link

  Thank you OPL, especially Rideau branch and ILL team

  by SerenityQ9000, over 1 year ago

  When I first came to the library to set up my card at the library, they were so welcoming and helpful with setting it up, and orienting me to OPL. I also loved that they gave out free totes for newcomers during the Oct month. Over the course of the year, both Rideau branch team and ILL have been amazing, helpful and patient.

  
  

  Libraries are so important to have for our communities because they are really here for everyone, making sure to be there when you need them, and going above and beyond. Being able to have a place to... Continue reading

  When I first came to the library to set up my card at the library, they were so welcoming and helpful with setting it up, and orienting me to OPL. I also loved that they gave out free totes for newcomers during the Oct month. Over the course of the year, both Rideau branch team and ILL have been amazing, helpful and patient.

  
  

  Libraries are so important to have for our communities because they are really here for everyone, making sure to be there when you need them, and going above and beyond. Being able to have a place to get books to check out (especially when books are so expensive to buy), and read and their online resources are very helpful.