Ontario Public Library Week

Whereas October 18th to 24th, 2026, is celebrated across the province as “Ontario Public
Library Week”; and

Whereas during this week, libraries and library partners raise awareness of the valuable
role that libraries play in our lives and in our communities; and

Whereas the Arnprior Public Library serves as a community hub for lifelong learning and
plays a vital role in helping citizens of all ages access the information and tools that they
need to live, learn and work; and

Whereas the board, staff and volunteers of the Arnprior Public Library provide a vital
service to our community; and

Whereas this year the theme for Ontario Public Library Week is “Loud for Libraries”
focusing on inviting people across Ontario to consider what they are willing to do for
libraries in their own communities:
• Will you be loud for libraries?
• Will you champion libraries?
• Will you show up for libraries?
• Will you speak up for libraries?

The theme creates space for reflection, conversation, and visible, collective support for
public libraries and the communities they serve. It recognizes that advocacy can take many
forms, and that every voice plays a role in shaping strong, responsive library services. This
theme also challenges long-standing perceptions of libraries as quiet, passive spaces.
While libraries continue to offer spaces for reading, learning, and reflection, they are also
vibrant community hubs for dialogue, creativity, connection, and civic participation. The
theme reinforces the idea that libraries are not only places to visit, but institutions worth
speaking up for; and

Whereas the Arnprior Public Library will be celebrating Ontario Public Library Week with a
focus on building community partnerships. The following is a list of community partnerships
and activities the library is supporting/ participating in:
• The Longer Table for frozen food distribution in the library;
• Expansion of Renfrew County & District Health Unit outreach sessions. The health
unit is now offering Maternal and Infant Health sessions, Immunization clinics, and
health information sessions in the library;
• The Arnprior Skateboard Association to support ongoing fundraising for the new
skateboard park; and
• There is a new slate of adult programs that the library will be continuing to expand
upon in the coming months.

Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor, do hereby proclaim October 18th to 24th, 2026, as
“Ontario Public Library Week” in the Town of Arnprior and encourage all residents to show
their support for our local public library by visiting, not just this week, but all year long, and
utilize the services that they have to offer.