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Orangeville Public Library has been shortlisted by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries for this year’s Ontario Public Library Service Awards. These awards celebrate the innovation and excellence of public libraries in communities throughout Ontario.  



The library’s application, “Cultivating a Culture of Inclusion”, was submitted in July 2019 for the Angus Mowat Award of Excellence.  As announced by the ministry:



The Orangeville Public Library has become a recognized leader in the community as a welcoming and inclusive environment where persons of all ages and all abilities come together and thrive! From the life skills development partnerships to the all-inclusive story times library staff work with community partners to ensure a public space free of discrimination or judgment. This application demonstrates excellence in cultivating a culture of inclusion by providing programming for socially excluded individuals and people who might potentially encounter barriers to library services.



On June 2, 2015 at Queen’s Park, Orangeville was one of four individuals/organizations to receive the inaugural David C. Onley Award for leadership in accessibility and disability issues. As a public service institution within the Town of Orangeville, the Orangeville Public Library (OPL) is committed to helping Orangeville achieve its goal of being a barrier-free community.



“The Library Board is delighted that the library’s work with organizations across our community is being recognized,” said Library Board Chair Bill Rea. “Our goal is to strive to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.”



The Angus Mowat Award of Excellence recognizes a commitment to excellence in the delivery of public library service. An independent committee of public library representatives reviews award submissions in the fall. A shortlist of 14 libraries was released during Ontario Public Library Week. Winners, by library size, will be announced in January at the Ontario Library Association Super Conference.