Me & My Library

What does Ottawa Public Library mean to you?

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  The best public service in Ottawa

  by Global reader, over 1 year ago
  Ottawa Library is by far the best experience in Ottawa for me: there are many branches so it is easy to get services across the city; it delivers books where it is convenient for us and in format that is convenient, it offers such pleasant space to come with a family and check books, games, do Teasure Hunt! or to work on a computer and benefit from AC on a hot day. It is possible to rent tools or rent a room for a meeting! The list of services and benefits to users goes on. All in all, it is... Continue reading

  Ottawa Library is by far the best experience in Ottawa for me: there are many branches so it is easy to get services across the city; it delivers books where it is convenient for us and in format that is convenient, it offers such pleasant space to come with a family and check books, games, do Teasure Hunt! or to work on a computer and benefit from AC on a hot day. It is possible to rent tools or rent a room for a meeting! The list of services and benefits to users goes on. All in all, it is a truly great model of PUBLIC SERVICE.
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  A place for everyone

  by smr, over 1 year ago
  The library is truly one of my favourite places in the city. We always have several books checked out for every member of our family, and we check out DVDs and CDs as well. I have discovered new authors and new TV shows and movies while browsing the library shelves, and I often place holds on items too. I have brought my kids to many library events, from babytime and storytimes when they were young to March Break activities for teens. There have been many adult events that I have attended as well -- I even facilitated an event at... Continue reading

  The library is truly one of my favourite places in the city. We always have several books checked out for every member of our family, and we check out DVDs and CDs as well. I have discovered new authors and new TV shows and movies while browsing the library shelves, and I often place holds on items too. I have brought my kids to many library events, from babytime and storytimes when they were young to March Break activities for teens. There have been many adult events that I have attended as well -- I even facilitated an event at the library once. It is a wonderful, welcoming, non-judgemental place to spend a few hours, one of the few places left in our society where someone can spend time without the expectation to spend money. I know there are many more resources available at the library that I personally haven't used, but that are beneficial to others. The library is a tremendous resource for our entire community.
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  A place I raised my kids and more

  by Busy Bee, over 1 year ago
  When I moved back to Ottawa from 18 months in a rural setting, newly separated with a baby, I felt alone and defeated. We lived in a small apartment and had little money and no friends with kids. I started bringing my son to Storytime and often other times during the week as well. The librarians soon knew us by name and often put aside books of interest for us. it was the main branch so right in Centretown and t really became an important part of our life.

  As our family grew, different programs entertained the children such as... Continue reading

  When I moved back to Ottawa from 18 months in a rural setting, newly separated with a baby, I felt alone and defeated. We lived in a small apartment and had little money and no friends with kids. I started bringing my son to Storytime and often other times during the week as well. The librarians soon knew us by name and often put aside books of interest for us. it was the main branch so right in Centretown and t really became an important part of our life.

  As our family grew, different programs entertained the children such as The Summer Reading club and movies during March break. I even was invited to give workshops in paper mache and other crafts families could enjoy together.

  My sons are now grown and I use the library in a very different way. I still request books online to pck up and I borrow books for my kobo reader. I am very excited for the new central branch to be finished and look forward to the programming that will happen there.
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  A new lease on books....

  by JREN, over 1 year ago

  I had to give up my life-long habit of bedtime reading when I had a cornea surgery that prevented me from reading without a large hard contact lens. I didn't dare fall asleep with my contact in, it could cost me my eye! Several years passed until I discovered Libby and audiobooks. Game changer! Suddenly I had:

  • waitlist management and holds
  • inter library loans
  • themes and suggestions

  I always have a stream of audiobooks coming in - I drive to them, sleep to them, exercise and work to them - even choring!

  
  

  Best tax dollars I ever spent - thanks!

  I had to give up my life-long habit of bedtime reading when I had a cornea surgery that prevented me from reading without a large hard contact lens. I didn't dare fall asleep with my contact in, it could cost me my eye! Several years passed until I discovered Libby and audiobooks. Game changer! Suddenly I had:

  • waitlist management and holds
  • inter library loans
  • themes and suggestions

  I always have a stream of audiobooks coming in - I drive to them, sleep to them, exercise and work to them - even choring!

  
  

  Best tax dollars I ever spent - thanks!
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  The day I discovered a public library and free books

  by Ingrid McCarthy, over 1 year ago

  I’ve been a huge fan of public libraries since my early teenage years and, since moving to Ottawa in 1979, the Ottawa Public Library has been one of my favourite places in town. My children’s fantasy trilogy, among others, can be found on their shelves and I’ve promoted the library to children when reading to them at their schools. Allow me to share with you an excerpt from my post-WWII childhood memoir “I Stood Among The Ruins And Cried” which is set in Germany. Emmi, in the excerpt, was my elementary school teacher. She lived around the corner from my... Continue reading

  I’ve been a huge fan of public libraries since my early teenage years and, since moving to Ottawa in 1979, the Ottawa Public Library has been one of my favourite places in town. My children’s fantasy trilogy, among others, can be found on their shelves and I’ve promoted the library to children when reading to them at their schools. Allow me to share with you an excerpt from my post-WWII childhood memoir “I Stood Among The Ruins And Cried” which is set in Germany. Emmi, in the excerpt, was my elementary school teacher. She lived around the corner from my family and I tended to visit her on a regular basis. (Note: we called her Emmi behind her back).

  ***

  I shall never forget the day Emmi introduced me to books.

  Emmi opened the door when once again I had rung the bell to their apartment. She was wearing her fake leopard fur coat, a coat I coveted and wanted to own when I was grown up because I considered it very chic.

  “I’m just about to go out,” Emmi said. “To the public library.”

  “Public library?”

  Emmi correctly interpreted my puzzled expression: I did not know the meaning of ‘public library’ ― Stadtbibliothek.

  “Are you telling me you’ve never been to the public library?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Come with me. The library is just up the street, two blocks from here.”

  Off I went with Emmi, looking forward to the adventure.

  The moment we entered the library, my jaw dropped. The room beyond the doorstep was vast. Every wall was lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves that held rows upon rows of books. I had never seen so many books in my life. I didn’t even know that so many books existed in our town.

  A lady of Grandma’s age stood at a desk near the entrance and greeted Emmi like a close friend.

  “I see you’ve brought a young reader along,” she said.

  “Ingrid is a student in my class,” Emmi responded. “She doesn’t have a library card. Can I sign for her? She’s a responsible girl and will treat books well.”

  And, thus, with the stroke of Emmi’s pen, I became a member of the public library and one of its most loyal customers. I would have eventually discovered my passion for books. To this day, I’m an avid reader and treat books with admiration and respect. However, had it not been for Emmi, I might have missed out on many years of reading and for that, I’m more grateful to her than her lessons in grammar, English, and geography.

  “Dear,” the lady at the desk said one day as she looked at the title of the book that I was about to borrow. “I think you are a bit too young for this story. You should look in the children’s section.”

  “I’ve read every book in the children’s section,” I replied, feeling a little miffed that she considered me a child.

  “Well,” she continued, gesturing at a row of books nearby, “then you should move on to the books for young adults.”

  “I’ve read all of those books, too.”

  “You have?” The lady’s voice was a mix of doubt and surprise. She peered at me over the rim of her glasses as if testing my sincerity. I did not bat an eye. A moment later, her stamp came down heavily on the lending card, and I walked out of the library with Gone With the Wind under my arm.

  I was thirteen years old.

  ***

  And, yes, you will find my memoir on the OPL shelves as well.
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  A Home away from Home

  by BookWorm69, over 1 year ago

  I've been using the Ottawa Public Library my whole life.

  As I a kid I would go there to learn to read and discover just about anything.

  As a teenager I would go there to work on projects and check out books pertaining to the many interests I had and still have.

  As a young adult I would go there to use the study cubicles and get lost in learning with the books and free wifi.

  As a parent I go there with my kids to check out books for my lifelong learning endeavor and encourage my kids to get... Continue reading

  I've been using the Ottawa Public Library my whole life.

  As I a kid I would go there to learn to read and discover just about anything.

  As a teenager I would go there to work on projects and check out books pertaining to the many interests I had and still have.

  As a young adult I would go there to use the study cubicles and get lost in learning with the books and free wifi.

  As a parent I go there with my kids to check out books for my lifelong learning endeavor and encourage my kids to get interested and help develop their positive curiosity for life.

  Some of my other kids go there to use the printers for resumes and to check out free video games which can be borrowed. I also love this feature :)

  My baby enjoys the many puzzles and blocks in the baby section. I believe some mind bending, problem solving type board games could be a welcome addition.

  The fact that you've ended late fees has substantially increased the respect and appreciation I have for the library, it was a fantastic move!

  Everyone is always kind and respectful at most branches I've been to. The staff are almost always available to offer as much help as they can.

  Thanks Ottawa Public Library!

  
  
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  Audiobooks

  by Cathie Elmgren , over 1 year ago
  I love being able to book audiobooks from the Ottawa Library. I am glad to finally have access to the CL app since it never worked before for me. I have sightbissues and hearing loss so i love being able to borrow audiobooks that connect into my hearing aids. I love being able to put items on hold and choose whennto borrow them. I just wish more books would be available in audio format. Thank you for a great service for seniors.

  Cathie Elmgren

  I love being able to book audiobooks from the Ottawa Library. I am glad to finally have access to the CL app since it never worked before for me. I have sightbissues and hearing loss so i love being able to borrow audiobooks that connect into my hearing aids. I love being able to put items on hold and choose whennto borrow them. I just wish more books would be available in audio format. Thank you for a great service for seniors.

  Cathie Elmgren
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  No Books, to Books, to eBooks, to Audio Books.

  by TSKanata, over 1 year ago

  I grew up in a very rural region where access to public library systems was not convenient for borrowing/returning books. When I moved into my first city, a library card was one of my first priorities. Later I moved to Ottawa and again a library card was a priority. When eBooks became available, I jumped onboard even though I live 200 meters from an Ottawa library branch. The relationships between Ontario libraries (Ottawa, Mississauga, Burlington, London and Hamilton) have expanded my online selection so I'm never at a loss.

  For the last 10+ years audio books have been part of... Continue reading

  I grew up in a very rural region where access to public library systems was not convenient for borrowing/returning books. When I moved into my first city, a library card was one of my first priorities. Later I moved to Ottawa and again a library card was a priority. When eBooks became available, I jumped onboard even though I live 200 meters from an Ottawa library branch. The relationships between Ontario libraries (Ottawa, Mississauga, Burlington, London and Hamilton) have expanded my online selection so I'm never at a loss.

  For the last 10+ years audio books have been part of my daily routine. Commuting to the office, taking a walk, working around the house, or sitting on the couch, I am present in someone else's story.

  Thank you Ottawa Public Library system!
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  The Library Saved My Life

  by Axel, over 1 year ago

  I have used libraries for my entire life....I love books...I had some serious eye problems nearly 3 years ago at age 75 and I am not able to watch television, read books, perform computer duties or research or do any eye movement for more than 2-3 minutes at a time..I discovered audio books and thanks to the assistance I received from the Centerpointe library, I got set up and am rarely seen without my air buds! This wonderful option has saved me from mental boredom, allowed me to accept my limitations and made my housework very enjoyable.

  I also used... Continue reading

  I have used libraries for my entire life....I love books...I had some serious eye problems nearly 3 years ago at age 75 and I am not able to watch television, read books, perform computer duties or research or do any eye movement for more than 2-3 minutes at a time..I discovered audio books and thanks to the assistance I received from the Centerpointe library, I got set up and am rarely seen without my air buds! This wonderful option has saved me from mental boredom, allowed me to accept my limitations and made my housework very enjoyable.

  I also used to take my grand daughter to the children's library for reading time and just perusing the books...The children's librarian....(glasses and big, dark hair), was so welcoming to everyone....she is alway smiling and friendly.

  Thank you Ottawa Library.
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  Thanks to OPL Rosemount Branch from a new mom!

  by AmandaS, over 1 year ago

  Every time I open my wallet and spot my green and white OPL card, it brings a smile to my face.
  
  Since my son was born in early 2024, I've attended Rosemount branch's Babytime singalong. That little weekly event was like a candle in the dark during the early tough months of being a mom! I notice that the OPL staff don't just teach songs to parents to sing to their little ones; they also make an effort to chat with attendees before and after the get-together as a means of checking in on the adults to see how they're... Continue reading

  Every time I open my wallet and spot my green and white OPL card, it brings a smile to my face.
  
  Since my son was born in early 2024, I've attended Rosemount branch's Babytime singalong. That little weekly event was like a candle in the dark during the early tough months of being a mom! I notice that the OPL staff don't just teach songs to parents to sing to their little ones; they also make an effort to chat with attendees before and after the get-together as a means of checking in on the adults to see how they're coping with parenthood. The librarians are always ready to connect moms and dads to resources in the community if needed! I remember taking my son to the beautiful family changeroom after our first Babytime visit when I barely knew how to change a diaper properly, and spotting a discreet little poster on the wall that listed locations in Ottawa where unhoused folks can take a shower and do their laundry for free. The bulletin ended with a note that people in need should drop by the front desk if they required any more information. I was so moved and thought: Wow, these modern libraries aren't only about books. They're trying to be community anchors for all of us, as best they can with the resources they have. The staff do an incredible job keeping the library clean, tidy and welcoming for everyone no matter who they are or where they come from.
  
  My son had awful colic. Reading on the couch with him -- even at 2 or 3 months of age -- seemed to distract him and calm him down. Colic is now a distant memory. But we continue to read together every day, and I look forward to this ritual as a way to bond with my son. We love heading to Babytime every Tuesday and coming home with a big stack of bright and beautiful books to read during the week. The library's no-limit checkout policy on books means that we sometimes will have 40-50 children's titles in our house at a given time, and on days where my son is extra keen on snuggling up to read we will literally finish the whole haul of books without taking a break. Without this no-limit policy, my son would not have access to this quality and quantity of age-appropriate literature. The OPL is directly responsible for laying the foundation of my son's positive association with reading, and I hope his love of books continues for the rest of his childhood and beyond.
  
  In recent months I even checked out a few books for myself, although my time to read for pleasure these days is limited.
  
  I didn't expect to rediscover the library when I became a parent, but I'm so glad I did! Libraries are honestly a triumph of civilization and we should never take them for granted.