For the annual First Nations Public Library Week, librarians across the province will be celebrating the Future of First Nation Public Libraries. First Nations Public Library week is October 1 –7, 2018. Ontario’s First Nation librarians present special programming throughout the week including literary and cultural based programming. In recent years, public libraries in the province celebrate Indigenous cultures by partnering with neighbouring First Nation communities to present Indigenous programming.
Currently, there are 47 First Nation libraries in the Province of Ontario. Libraries are a resource to access the internet, book loans, and public programming in rural and urban First Nation communities. Of the 133 First Nations in Ontario, 47 (35%) have public libraries.
Wabauskang First Nation is hosting the launch of 2018 First Nation Public Library Week on Monday, October 1, 2018, at 11:00 am. Wabauskang First Nation is Ontario’s newest First Nation public library, and the official opening celebration will coincide with the launch of First Nation Public Library Week.
Wabauskang First Nation has a week of public programming activities planned, including a book reading by local author Kathy Tetlock (Red Lake, Ontario). An official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place to celebrate the community’s recent accomplishment.
“First Nations Public Library Week provides the community with a great opportunity to learn more about the valuable resources, services, programs and activities available at Ontario’s First Nations Public Libraries,” said Sylvia Jones, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “I encourage people of all ages to explore the offerings available at their local library, this week and all year long.”
Provincial organizations such as Ontario Library Service – North and South Ontario Library Service work with First Nation librarians to discuss and plan for the future of First Nation Libraries in the Province of Ontario. Each year, a committee of four Indigenous librarians from across the province consults with colleagues to determine the annual theme and resource materials.
For more information, visit the First Nations Public Library Week website at http://www.olsn.ca/fnplw/.
