Ottawa Public Library provides vast variety of virtual programs and services

The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is closed until June 30, but continues to operate its extensive online services and resources, providing enhanced digital content, collections and programming to connect and support their customers. OPL staff are also available by phone, 613-580-2940 and email, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for holidays.

Virtual use of OPL has increased substantially with the Library’s new web section called “Isolation Recreation” that highlights resources for leisure and learning and facilitates access to extensive and valuable content for all ages, needs, and interests. They also provide education material available for free. Hundreds of new followers can also connect on their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Some OPL programs currently being offered in April  —

• Throughout the month a variety of activities and resources to help the Ottawa community awaken their inner poet while staying at home. You can find a list of over 500 titles at the above link that you can read or listen to online, including eBooks, video performances, and downloadable audiobooks.
• OPL is also holding a weekly challenge, inviting everyone to write a poem using a different poetic form every week. Towards the end of the month, they plan to organize an online poetry slam event. These activities are open to everyone, no matter their age or experience level with poetry. Who knows? Maybe OPL will help uncover a hidden talent!
• To celebrate National Canadian Film Day on April 22, they are featuring their ever-growing movie streaming resources. Through Kanopy, Hoopla, Curio.ca and many other resources, customers can now view a wide range of Canadian films, short movies, documentaries and feature stories. Instead of outdoor film projections across the country, the National Canadian Film Day website highlights a range of interactive activities to celebrate Canadian actors, directors and filmmakers. We invite you to attend these livestream events from Biblioottawalibrary.ca or visit Watch a movie for suggestions of Canadian movies you can view.

Since the COVID-19 shutdown, OPL has strengthened the capacity of their online resources and access to its extensive eContent is now easier than ever. It is now possible for OPL cardholders to: 

• have easy access to streaming resources through the Isolation Recreation web section, front and centre on our homepage;
• have unlimited access to credit-free viewing titles on Kanopy;
• watch free or credit-free short movies on Hoopla.

Stittsville residents can sign up for an Ottawa Public Library card online and gain access to a rich collection of eResources and fun, educational activities for kids and people of all ages. Please visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.