Lori, a long-time Library client, wrote to us in the fall to share how our spaces make a difference for her:
"Just walking through the door de-stresses me. […] The options in a good library make them important to the community. I’m usually in a library at least once a week. It’s my go-to place […] since I was a child, before I was old enough to sign out my own books. Thank you."
Lori’s experience is one of many from across the Library and that impact is reflected in the 2025 Annual Report! Here’s how you used your Library in 2025:
- 3,508,850 in-person visits
- 11,520,174 borrowed items
- 268,297 active cardholders (24.4 per cent of Ottawa residents used their card at least once in 2025!)
One of our larger projects last year, a social impact study exploring the Library’s role for individuals and the community, confirmed what we hear from you every day and see in our branches:
- 93 per cent of our clients and 72 per cent of non-clients agreed that a public library is one of the most valuable resources a city can offer its community.
- 89 per cent of our clients and 70 per cent of non-clients agreed that ensuring public access to libraries is more important now than ever.
By borrowing, visiting, and participating, you are helping support the Library in the most meaningful way. Thank you!
Read the 2025 Annual Report for details on what we accomplished in 2025.
Read the Social Impact Study to see how the Library creates value across its programs, services, and spaces.