Prior to introductions, Sonia Bebbington, CEO/CL noted previous conversations about impact studies with various Board members, and particularly a conversation with Alison Crawford following the Ontario Library Association conference of 2025, regarding a presentation given by Toronto Public Library on a similar study. Ms. Bebbington noted she was very pleased to see this work come to fruition, with both an individual study for Ottawa Public Library as well as OPL’s participation in a nation-wide study, and that she is looking forward to discussing the Ottawa study with the Board this evening.
Ms. Bebbington then introduced Anna Basile, Deputy CEO and Division Manager, Corporate Services, who presented the Board with a high-level overview of OPL’s Impact Study (held on file with the Chief Executive Officer/Chief Librarian). Ms. Basile thanked the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association (FOPLA) for their generous support in funding the Impact Study. The presentation included:
- OPL Context;
- Details of the Study;
- Impact Dimensions and Parameters;
- Summary of Results;
- Summary of Impact Profiles, including impact compasses; and,
- Next Steps
Chair Luloff praised the report and presentation for articulating the true value of libraries. He noted that while libraries often define themselves by what they aren’t (not retail, not quiet book warehouses, not relics), the real story is about what they are. He emphasized that libraries democratize information, removing barriers so anyone can learn, search for work, build skills, support their children, or engage with their community without cost or exclusion. Libraries act as social infrastructure, helping people stabilize, connect, and imagine broader futures. Chair Luloff highlighted how libraries reduce pressure on other public systems by supporting early literacy, helping newcomers navigate language and civic life, and giving people access to tools and trusted guidance. He noted that in a noisy world where reliable information is unevenly distributed, libraries provide free access to trustworthy knowledge - something he calls a form of power. He described libraries as “the last truly democratic space”, where anyone can walk in with nothing and leave with something lifechanging, whether a book, a skill, help with a form, or simply a sense of belonging. He highlighted how the study provides evidence for this cumulative effect: early storytimes foster confident readers, and access to tools provides opportunity. In closing, he noted that it is critical to speak loudly about what libraries are: access, equity, opportunity, and community provided daily across the city. He thanked staff for the work on the Impact Study.
Harvey A. Slack echoed his thanks. He emphasized that public libraries are essential to democracy – possibly one of its last strongholds – and remain a vital pillar of society.
Rawlson King praised the recent study for capturing the deeper, human impact of library services - benefits like inspiration, empathy, belonging, and wellbeing that go beyond traditional metrics such as circulation or economic return. He noted that while the measurable economic impact reflects more than $4.30 in value for every dollar invested in Ottawa Public Library, the impact study highlights essential civic value that cannot be measured economically. He expressed hope that staff will use the findings to strengthen budget advocacy and improve services, emphasizing that evidence of real human impact is compelling for decision-making. He thanked FOPLA for funding the study, noting that measuring impact requires resources beyond operational budgets, and commended staff for producing an excellent report.
Alison Crawford echoed appreciation for the funding provided by FOPLA, emphasizing that the work of the study is an important long-term investment. She highlighted the value of the study not only for councillors but also for building new partnerships and expanding community engagement. By involving many people in the process, the project increased public interest and awareness. She concluded by congratulating staff on an excellent job.
Vice-Chair Fisher also expressed appreciation for the work done on the impact study and thanked the CEO/CL for connecting the organization with the broader CULC network on this initiative. She emphasized the value of being able to share consistent key messages nationally and noted that these messages will support future advocacy and promotion. The Vice-Chair inquired regarding the frequency of this type of study: how often should this work be repeated, given that it reflects a single point in time and ties into ongoing service development. Ms. Basile responded that OPL is currently reviewing its performance measurement framework, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and that the frequency of future social impact studies will be considered as part of that process. She suggested that annual studies may be too frequent, and alternatives - such as twice per board term - might be more appropriate. She also noted that funding and integrating this work into ongoing reporting will need to be addressed. Ms. Bebbington thanked staff for their support, acknowledging that the decision to pursue the impact study was not originally part of the annual workplan. She expressed gratitude for both staff and Board support.
Chair Matthew Luloff thanked the board and expressed deep appreciation for FOPLA’s support of the study, noting the significant contributions of their volunteers which supports the expansion of programs and services. He emphasized that their efforts meaningfully advance the library’s mandate.
There being no further discussion the report was RECEIVED and as presented.
MOTION OPL 20260210/8
That the Ottawa Public Library Board receive this report for information.
Results: Received