The library was founded in 1906 with a donation from the Carnegie Foundation. The history of OPL between 1906-2001 is available in The Library Book by Phil Jenkins.
Amalgamation
On January 1, 2001, the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton was amalgamated as the City of Ottawa. The 25 branches within these outlying Library systems merged with OPL’s eight branches to become one united Ottawa Public Library.
- Cumberland Township Library
- Gloucester Public Library
- Goulbourn Township Library
- Kanata Public Library
- Nepean Library
- Ottawa Public Library
- Rideau Township Library
- Rockcliffe Park Public Library
- Vanier Public Library
- West Carleton Township Library
Who’s been at the helm
- 2022 - present: Sonia Bebbington, Chief Librarian/CEO
- 2012 - 2022: Danielle McDonald, CEO
- 2012 (acting, January to March): Elaine Condos, City Librarian
- 1995 - 2011: Barbara Clubb, City Librarian
- 1979 - 1995: Gilles Frappier, Chief Librarian
- 1953 - 1979: Claude Aubry, Chief Librarian
- 1936 - 1953: Frederick Jennings, Chief Librarian
- 1912 - 1936: William Sykes, City Librarian
- 1905 - 1912: Lawrence Burpee, Chief Librarian
Awards
- 2022: Ontario Library Association (OLA) Technology Advancing Libraries Award for the Chromebook Lending Program
- 2022:Community partnership award from the Assunnah Muslims Association
- 2021: United Way Eastern Ontario Community Builders of the Year Award, as a member of the COVID-19 Community Response Table
- 2018: Urban Libraries Council (ULC) 10 Top Innovators for the Express eBooks platform.
- 2017: Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Minister’s Award for Innovation for the à la carte project.
- 2008: CLA Stan Heath Achievement in Health Literacy Award, presented to a public library board that has initiated an innovative program that is contributing significantly to the advancement of literacy in its community.
- 2007: Hydro Ottawa Certificate of Recognition for leadership and commitment in the development of an electricity conservation culture.
OPL logos
2001-present
2006
1971-2000
