2. Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
Local libraries are Ontario’s most cost-effective
institutions.
In the past ten years Ontario’s public libraries have
experienced:
• A 66% growth in program attendance
• Grown program numbers by 83%
Public libraries are essential to people and families across Ontario
3. Source: MarketProbe Canada Report
Ontarians depend on their local public libraries
The average Ontario public library cardholder
visits their local public library in person 8.9
times each year, with up to 2-3 times as
many online and digital visits – with the latter
highest in small and rural communities.
4. Public libraries deliver a big return on investment – in communities large and small
Library Year
Return on $1
Invested
Toronto Public Library 2013 $5.63
Halton Hills Public Library 2014 $3.96
Milton Public Library 2014 $5.67
Pickering Public Library 2014 $5.85
Stratford Public Library 2015 $5.63
Sault Ste. Marie Public Library 2015 $2.36
Kawartha Lakes Public Library 2015 $7.05
London Public Library 2015 $6.68
Ottawa Public Library 2016 $5.17
Newmarket Public Library 2016 $7.85
Burlington Public Library 2017 $5.64
Hamilton Public Library 2017 $5.59
Vaughan Public Library 2017 $5.57
AVERAGE $5.59
Source: FOPL List of Studies: https://bit.ly/2K0mu0z
Public libraries deliver a big return on investment
5. Source: FOPL List of Studies: https://bit.ly/2K0mu0z
Over 2 dozen Ontario, local economic, impact
studies of public libraries in Ontario shows an
average $5.41 for every dollar invested by the
community. This is a very conservative ROI
calculation on economic impact alone. If you
include social ROI this is much higher.
Public libraries have an important economic impact in Ontario
Public libraries deliver a big return on investment – in communities large and small
11. Public libraries are local
Ontarians make 200 million visits to their
local public libraries in 2017. And that
number continues to go up, both in-person
and online.
Libraries deliver a big return on investment –
in communities large and small.
Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
Public libraries deliver a big return on investment – in communities large and small
14. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Public libraries support Ontario businesses
A 2018 Nordicity study found that, just our
computer users reported that 26% of them
were using the library to start, manage, or
grow their businesses.
Public libraries drive and sustain economic
development, especially in smaller towns
and rural communities.
15. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Public libraries help Ontarians find jobs
A 2018 Nordicity study found that, just our
users reported that 45% of them who used
the library technologies found jobs
successfully.
16. A 2018 Nordicity study found that, 63% of respondents
reporting using technology at the public library identified as
low income.
Low income Ontarians rely on public libraries for a number
of different resources, such as accessing government
services and participating in job training.
Public libraries are a vital resource for low income Ontarians
Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
17. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
A 2018 Nordicity study found that, just our
computer users reported that 45% of them
were using the library technologies to
develop employable skills. The study also
found that our computer users reported that
36% of them were using the library
technologies to develop job search skills.
Public libraries help Ontarians find jobs
19. Source: Market Probe Canada Report
Public Libraries Are Important to 55plus
72% of 55+ residents say the underfunding
the public library would have a major impact
on their lives.
20. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Public libraries are keeping communities connected
A 2018 Nordicity study found that our
computer users reported that 81% of them
were using the library technologies
experienced an increased level of social
engagement.
Ontario’s public libraries reporting having
over 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots to lend! Many
lend tablets, e-readers, and laptops too.
21. Public libraries are social and keep communities informed
Public libraries love social media. Follow
your local library on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram and more! To learn about
programs, courses, events, and new content.
Ontario’s public libraries are growing beyond
25 million social media visits.
22. Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
Public libraries create volunteer opportunities
Public Libraries engage over 14,500
volunteers, students, co-op students, and
interns every year.
23. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
A 2018 Nordicity study found that, 44% of
respondents reporting using technology at
the public library were introduced to a new
technology. 52% of those introduced to a
new technology were over age 55.
The study also found that, 68% of
respondents reporting using technology at
the public library were over age 55.
Public libraries support Ontario’s seniors
24. A 2018 Nordicity study found that, 63% of
respondents reporting using technology at
the public library identified as low income.
Public Libraries Support Poverty Reduction
Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
25. Public Libraries Visit the Homebound
In 2017 Ontario’s Public Libraries made
60,000 visits to homebound cardholders (and
more at daycares, hospitals, and nursing
homes)!
Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
27. 51.3% of Ontario libraries reported having a makerspace at their library –
including 50% of libraries serving fewer than 5,000 people. With more libraries
incorporating makerspace programming, OPLA has reason to believe this
number has increased further since original data was collected.
The most recent 2017 data shows that between 29% and 89% (depending on
population size) of public libraries have maker spaces!
Public libraries are helping Ontario teens learn STEM skills
Source: OPLA Teen Services Report: https://bit.ly/2RT5coz
28. Source: School Libraries Reports: https://bit.ly/2K0mu0z
Our storytimes, summer reading programs and the Forest of Trees program have proven positive
impacts on reading skills, school readiness, and standardized testing scores.
Teen engagement at public libraries is on the rise, with opportunities for teens in communities
big and small to be involved in the library by participating in teen advisory groups, strategic
planning, maker spaces, and advising on physical teen space. Public libraries remain a significant
source for teen volunteer opportunities, with 93% of public libraries offering opportunities for
teens to volunteer towards their OSSD volunteer hour requirements.
Circulation of children’s materials make up 24% of overall circulation, while children’s budgets
only make up 17% of overall spending, indicating that libraries get more value from children’s
materials. The percentage of library staff in Child Services is highest (23%) in communities with
populations in the 15,000 to under 50,000 category.
Public libraries are helping Ontario’s children and youth succeed at school
30. Public libraries are community partners
Public libraries are an important community
partner, with libraries reporting more
partnerships with diverse community
agencies in support of effective teen services.
Now, 82% of libraries are partnering with
local schools and 50% are partnering with
social services agencies.
Source: OPLA Teen Services Report: https://bit.ly/2RT5coz
31. Keeping with tradition Ontario’s public libraries
circulated over 125 million print books in 2017.
Following trends we ensure that E-books are also
available for card members.
Other public benefit sectors look to public libraries
in Ontario for models for adapting well to dynamic
change. We’re growing and thriving.
Ontario public libraries are where tradition meets innovation
Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
32. Most Ontario Public Libraries offer 3D
printing but there’s more – photo and video
editing, woodworking, knitting, and a
limitless range of creative programs.
Public libraries help Ontarians make and create
Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
33. In 2017 over 223,000 Ontarians took e-courses
through the library’s website.
Public libraries support e-learning
Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
34. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Public libraries are supporting innovation in Ontario
A 2018 Nordicity study found that 41% of our
technology users used the library
technologies to make creative products.
35. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Public libraries lend e-books
An average public library in Ontario has over
30,000 e-books to lend.
36. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Ontario’s public libraries are innovative institutions
Ontario public libraries provide databases
that are higher quality than Google, all
together we subscribe to over 5,600 high
quality databases.
37. Source: Market Probe Canada Report
Public libraries are important to Ontarians
72% of age 55+ residents say the underfunding
the public library would have a major impact
on their lives.
Public Libraries run every type of event for
every interest, we offer crafts, travelogues,
technology, book clubs, knit and natter, and so
much more.
38. Source: Market Probe Canada Report
Public libraries are important because they
promote literacy and a love of reading.
By providing free access to materials and
resources, the public library plays an
important role in giving everyone a chance
to succeed.
Having a public library improves the quality
of life in a community.
Libraries are essential to people and families across Ontario
39. 51.3% of Ontario libraries reported having a
makerspace at their library – including 50%
of libraries serving fewer than 5,000 people.
With more libraries incorporating
makerspace programming, libraries have
stepped up to the plate in delivering fun
STEAM experiences and programs.
How do Public Libraries Support Teen STEAM Ontario?
Source: OPLA Teen Services Report: https://bit.ly/2RT5coz
40. Public Libraries Lend Wi-Fi
Just about ALL public library branches have
free Wi-Fi in Ontario. Ontario’s public
libraries report having over 1,000 Wi-Fi
hotspots to lend too! Many lend tablets, e-
readers, and laptops too.
41. Future job success depends on STEAM
9science, technology, engineering, arts &
math)
The most recent 2017 data shows that, by
population size, between 29% and 89% of
public libraries have maker spaces and that’s
growing!
Public Libraries Do Maker & STEAM
Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports: https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
42. Public Libraries Do Digital
We’re on the forefront of providing e-books,
e-magazines, audiobooks, and streaming
media!
43. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Public Libraries Adapt to the 21st Century
Other public benefit sectors look to public
libraries in Ontario for models for adapting
well to dynamic change. We’re growing and
thriving.
45. Public Library Programs are too diverse to list!
Public Libraries run every type of event for
every interest. Crafts, travelogues,
technology, book clubs, Knit & Natter, and
thousands more!
46. Does the
Ontario
Governmen
t support
Public
Libraries in
Ontario?
The province of Ontario
provides less than
1/100 of a single cent
per day per capita to
ALL libraries in Ontario
and hasn’t raised that
in 22 years
47. Source: Market Probe Canada Report
Poll Results: Top 3
• Public libraries are important because
they promote literacy and a love of
reading
• By providing free access to materials and
resources, the public library plays an
important role in giving everyone a
chance to succeed
• Having a public library improves the
quality of life in a community
The People Know the Role of Their Library
48. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
The People Want More!
They’re asking for MORE: Programs that allow people to try out the newest tech devices or applications, such as
3D printers or laser cutters; Library kiosks located throughout the community where people can check out books,
movies or music without having to go to the library itself; personalized online accounts that give you
recommendations based on your past library activity; cell phone apps that allows you to access library services
from your mobile phone; online research services where you could pose questions and get responses from
librarians; cell phone apps that helps you locate material easily in the library using GPS; E-book readers already
loaded with the book you want to read; Instruction on how to use handheld reading devices and tablets; Classes
on how to download library e-books to handheld devices; A digital media lab where you could create and upload
new digital content like your own movies or e-books . . .
Just More!
49. Source: MarketProbe Canada Report
Ontarians Vote with the Library Cards!
The average Ontario public library
cardholder visits their local public library in
person 8.9 times each year, with up to 2-3
times as many online & digital visits – with
the latter highest in small and rural
communities.