About the library
Welcome to Ottawa Public Library
We are the largest bilingual English-French library system in North America, with 33 branches and two bookmobiles serving the City of Ottawa. Beyond books, magazines and online resources, you can use your OPL card to:
- borrow museum passes
- borrow pedometers and kilowatt meters
- access Ottawa’s university libraries and the Virtual Reference Library
- and join the National Capital FreeNet.
OPL Board
In Ontario, public libraries are governed by public library boards that consist of trustees. Trustees for the OPL board include: six city councillors and eight members of the public.
The role of the library board is to provide oversight and ensure that the library remains accessible, accountable and relevant to the needs of the citizens of Ottawa. To this end, board meetings are open to the public. The OPL Board meets monthly except during the summer. Meetings are generally held on the second Monday of the month. Meeting agendas and documentation, including Board decisions and meeting minutes are available on the OPL website.
For more information about the OPL Board including board documents and a schedule of meetings click here.