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From Ruth E. Dickinson, Ottawa Public Library
Visit the Library website for our hours of operation, to access online resources, browse books, search programs and events, and more!
*Ruth E Dickinson has had pause the weekly updates. We will let you know of future changes*
September 22nd, 2023
🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 🧡
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Saturday September 30, is an important opportunity to develop an understanding of the experiences of Indigenous children and youth in residential schools and the ongoing intergenerational trauma that continues to affect Indigenous families and communities. OPL’s collections, programs, and resources can support you on this journey. By learning the truth about the past, we can walk on the path towards reconciliation together. On Saturday September 30, 2023, the following seven OPL branches will be open from 10 am to 5 pm: Beaverbrook (2500 Campeau Drive), Cumberland (1599 Tenth Line Road), Greenboro (363 Lorry Greenberg Drive), Main (120 Metcalfe Street), Nepean Centrepointe (101 Centrepointe Drive), Ruth E. Dickinson (100 Malvern Drive), and St Laurent (515 Côté Street). All other library branches will be closed.
Visit an open branch on September 30 to:
📙 Learn more from the bilingual family Storywalk® of the book Every Child Matters by Phyllis Webstad
📚 Read and discover: explore our book display featuring curated books from OPL’s collection
🎬 Watch a thought-provoking, day-long film festival, presented in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada. To commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, OPL chose to honour the Indigenous oral tradition by amplifying Indigenous voices and bring together our communities in the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Through the lens of these award-winning documentaries, the power of storytelling will help educate, inspire, and unite communities, as we reflect on our shared history and the path forward.
Join us online via Zoom or at one of our seven open branches, on a cinematic journey centered around the theme of residential schools that explores the rich tapestry of Indigenous history, culture, and the path towards reconciliation
Stay with us throughout the day, or join us at planned times for specific films according to the schedule below:
10h15: Word of welcome
10h18: Sisters & Brothers
10h21: We Were Children
11h43: Honour to Senator Murray Sinclair
12h12: We Can't Make the Same Mistake Twice
14h54: Stories Are in Our Bones
15h05: The Road Forward
For a full description of the films, please click here.
📖 Take home a copy of the 94 Calls to Action published by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to learn what work still needs to be done in the ongoing process of reconciliation. This resource is also available digitally.
Can't make it to a branch on September 30?
Browse our truth and reconciliation book lists for adults and children as well as our selection of DVDs and CDs
Our Indigenous web page has a wide range of books and resources by Indigenous authors
Starting September 22, in partnership with the International Indigenous Speakers Bureau (IISB), OPL will post a webform to sign up to access a prerecorded video of Phyllis Webstad speaking about Orange Shirt Day. You can watch this video with your household
🎬 After School Movie: Ready Player OneTeens are invite to join us for an after school movie featuring Ready Player One. When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune. Rated PG. Friday September 29 at 3:30 pm
💬 The Right to Read: An Open Book on Intellectual Freedom 💬
To kick off library month, join us at SAW Centre on October 2 for an in-person paneled discussion about Intellectual Freedom with: Farazan Doctor winner of 2023 Freedom to Read Award, David A Robertson winner of 2021 Freedom to Read Award and Canadian journalist, activist, author, and broadcaster Desmond Cole, moderated by Adrian Harewood. This 90-minute discussion will help bring the term of Intellectual Freedom into focus to help us understand what it is and why it is of critical importance to us all. Monday October 2 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at SAW Centre (67 Nicholas Street). Register here - it's free!
🥇 Ottawa Book Awards: 2023 Finalists
The 2023 Ottawa Book Awards finalists lead readers through a voyage of moving poetry, poignant stories, captivating human drama, and engaging biographies. These works delve into significant historical eras, bringing fresh perspective to familiar landscapes and experiences. The awards recognize the finest English and French books released in the previous year, authored by 20 local writers who exemplify Ottawa’s rich literary talent. To see the list of finalists, please click here. Descriptions of short-listed books and author biographies are available here. The 2023 Ottawa Book Awards will be presented to the winning authors on Wednesday October 11, 2023 at 7 p.m at Les Lye Studio, Meridian Theatres (101 Centrepointe Drive). The event will be followed by a reception at 8 p.m.
Previous Updates
September 2023
August 2023
July 2023
June 2023
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023