A strong library system is the cornerstone of a strong community. It contributes to education, literacy and life-long learning in Ontario communities. Municipal bylaws create Ontario's public libraries and public library boards govern them.
This ministry is responsible for:
- Administering the Public Libraries Act and statutory grants under the Act. See the Public Library Operating, Pay Equity, and First Nation Salary Supplement Grants Program
- Developing provincial policies for public libraries
- Funding Ontario Library Services agencies (including the Ontario Library Service–North, and the Southern Ontario Library Service )
- Conducting stakeholder relations with Ontario library sector organizations such as the Ontario Library Association and the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries
- Publishing the annual Ontario Public Library Statistics
- Delivering the annual Ontario Public Library Service Awards.
News
Read about this year’s finalists for the Ontario Public Library Service Awards.
Did you know
- Ontario’s first free public libraries were established in Toronto and Guelph in 1883.
- Between 1903 and 1922, 111 Ontario libraries were constructed with more than $2.5 million in funding from American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
- Over 5 million Ontarians, or 40 per cent of the population, hold a public library card.
- More than 98 per cent of Ontarians live in communities served by a public library.
- Ontario libraries have more than 31 million volumes in circulation. That’s equivalent to 2.5 books for every Ontarian.
- Virtually every library branch in the province also provides access to electronic information through the Internet.
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