Canadian Librarianship News Updates: 2026
In response to the decision by Meta, the parent company for Facebook and Instagram, to end news availability on its platforms in Canada, this page has been created to ensure we can continue to share news articles on topics and issues of interest to the Canadian librarianship community.
We will be posting links to articles to this page and sharing this page to our groups on Facebook.
To suggest additions or updates to this page, e-mail info@librarianship.ca
News articles presented on this page reflect media coverage as it appears, and are not a statement on the assessment of the issues, quotes or tone published by those outlets.
February 11, 2026
Tumbler Ridge public library remains open to support community after tragedy
Tumbler Ridge Public Library is keeping its doors open in the aftermath of Tuesday’s mass shooting as schools cancel classes and some organizations temporarily shutter in the B.C. town. Head librarian Paula Coutts said it was important to remain open ‘to provide some sense of normalcy and comfort.’
February 8, 2026
How Scholastic became a cultural rite of passage for Canadian kids
For decades, Scholastic has been a fixture in Canadian elementary schools, introducing children to reading while helping fund under-resourced libraries. Despite growing criticism over cost and commercialization, the book fair remains a nostalgic — and enduring — rite of passage.
Meaford Public Library: not just for story time anymore
Meaford Public Library celebrated a birthday, an occasion which served as a reminder of the library’s enduring importance, library officials said.
February 6, 2026
Budget: Library request for more funding for security opposed by mayor
Hamilton Budget committee narrowly voted to approve the additional funds, but Mayor Horwath said she was opposed to the allocation, believing they could use their reserve funds to cover the shortfall.
Caledon Public Library wins Minister’s Award for Innovation
Caledon Public Library (CPL) has won the 2025 Ontario Public Library Service Award for its project Caledon Connections: Leveraging Partnerships to Support Community.
Libraries across Canada to host Winter Olympics watch parties
The public broadcaster says more than 800 libraries nationwide will screen parts of the Milan Cortina Winter Games in both English and French.
Marmora Council approves Library funding request
Marmora and Lake Council approved Marmora and Lake Public Library’s request for a 2.4% increase in municipal funding.
These 6 books and a film screening were challenged at Ottawa library branches in 2025
A report for the Ottawa Public Library Board shows the library received 11 formal challenges last year, including six challenges over items in the library’s collection and five challenges to a movie screening in a meeting room last year.
February 5, 2026
Anonymous gift of $5 million will transform Victoria University libraries
A longtime donor who chose to remain anonymous has bequeathed an estimated $5 million to Victoria University, one of the largest legacy gifts in its history. Her request was that her gift support the library she loved, possibly by funding an acquisition, adding to a special collection or another opportunity that might otherwise be out of reach.
Harper’s archival collection includes one million photos, a quilt and a hockey card
Former prime minister Stephen Harper has officially launched his archival collection, which includes more than a million photos, a quilt and a hockey card.
February 4, 2026
Dryden Public Library Chief Librarian honoured at provincial convention
Dryden Public Library’s Chief Librarian Caroline Goulding is the newest recipient of the Larry Moore Distinguished Service Award, presented by the Ontario Library Association at their annual super conference in Toronto last week.
February 3, 2026
1 M$ de plus pour la rénovation de la bibliothèque Alice-Lane
La facture des travaux de rénovation à la bibliothèque municipale Alice-Lane de Baie-Comeau sera plus élevée que prévu. La Ville de Baie-Comeau a déposé, lundi, en séance extraordinaire, un projet de règlement pour augmenter l’enveloppe budgétaire des travaux de 992 900 $.
Renovation work officially underway at North Kamloops Library
This is the first and largest phase of construction, mostly focusing on the staff area, programming room, young adult area and children’s area.
February 2, 2026
‘Not a lot of wiggle room’: Niagara Falls library may cut services despite funding boost
City council increased funding by 2.5 per cent for 2026; the library board had requested a 3.5 per cent hike.
Winnipeg Public Library trying to keep up with “Heated Rivalry” phenomenon
Winnipeg Public Library branches are having trouble keeping up with demand for a steamy literary series turned red hot television phenomenon.
February 1, 2026
Jake Epp Library sees more than 228,000 checkouts in 2025 led by graphic novels
Graphic novels, bestselling fiction, and children’s programming helped drive another busy year at the Jake Epp Library in Steinbach in 2025, with more than 228,000 items circulated.
January 31, 2026
Université de Sudbury signs library-sharing partnership with Université de Hearst
The Université de Sudbury has signed a new strategic partnership with Université de Hearst that will see the two institutions share library resources, strengthening French-language postsecondary education in Ontario.
January 30, 2026
Library collections to be shared by French universities in Sudbury and Hearst
The Université de Sudbury has announced a new strategic partnership with Université de Hearst that establishes a framework for collaboration in the management of its library.
New Estevan librarian enjoying time in the city
Blazy Abraham replaces Jason Redshaw, who is moving to Ontario.
Violent incidents drop at downtown library branches, CEO says
The Thunder Bay Public Library has made significant strides in lowering the number of security risks at the downtown branches, and they hope to do more with the addition of two security guards.
January 29, 2026
Downtown Hamilton library struggling to handle social, health problems
Hamilton Public Library officials say they’ll try to find requested budget cuts, but warn resources are stretched with surging drug use, overdoses and mental-health episodes downtown.
Essex County Library reports record-breaking program attendance in 2025
The Essex County Library is celebrating a record-setting year in 2025.
Public libraries have always been about more than books
Libraries have expanded, adapted and deepened their role in the changing societies they serve, Jacqueline M. St. Pierre and Karl Andrus write.
Saskatoon councillors clarify debt support for downtown library
City council on Wednesday unanimously approved borrowing $45 million to help pay for the project, but some councillors felt compelled to share their feelings about the controversial venture.
School board using vice-principals to fill library roles amid deficit: Union
The Thames Valley District school board is assigning vice-principals to work in its libraries as a cost-cutting measure, according to a local teachers’ union leader.
Watford: Upgrades on tap for Lambton’s last operating Carnegie library
Lambton County’s only operating library built with funds from U.S. steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie is expected to be in use for years to come.
January 28, 2026
‘Reimagined’ library program nurtures early literacy development
The Bruce County Public Library has launched what it is calling a reimagined early literacy program.
Reports from occupied territories show that Ukrainian-language literature has been systemically collected and destroyed.
January 27, 2026
Hamilton library asks for 5.25% budget increase as it faces ‘social crises’ at downtown branches
The Hamilton Public Library is requesting a higher-than-usual budget increase from the city to help it pay for security, social workers and de-escalation training.
New details show vigorous, pricey process to identify explicit books in Edmonton schools
The 329 pages of records, obtained by CBC News, reveal that 11 teachers were hired by Edmonton Public Schools for a four-week summer project to review books for sexually explicit content, at a cost of $43,000.
January 26, 2026
CBE bans 44 titles in accordance with provincial ministerial order
The Calgary Board of Education says 44 titles—39 graphic novels and five books—have been removed from school libraries, in keeping with direction from the provincial government.
January 25, 2026
Brandon library teams up with Ask Auntie to create downtown resource hub
A new community support hub has launched inside the downtown Brandon, Man., library to connect vulnerable individuals with essential resources through Ask Auntie, a program that offers a range of social supports.
January 24, 2026
Are librarians the key for teaching AI literacy?
Librarians teach students about research, media literacy, copyright and technology. This makes them perfect for teaching about the power and pitfalls of AI. Yet students — from kindergarteners to post-secondary — lose out on this valuable expertise if librarians get overlooked as schools tackle AI.
January 23, 2026
Hamilton Central Library to close Sundays amid downtown safety concerns
Hamilton Public Library’s Central Branch will be closed Sundays starting next month due to an increase in overdoses and mental health challenges downtown.
Keewatin Public Library celebrates re-opening
The Keewatin Library is finally open after being shut down for a year and a half.
New librarian prefers mysteries
Even though she spends most of her day surrounded by great reads, Heather Holland retains a soft spot for a good whodunit.
Toronto may cancel new community centres, libraries if development funding dries up
The city’s chief financial officer reiterated that roughly $300 million had been deferred as revenue from development charges dries up, adding that some projects may be cancelled.
January 22, 2026
Council receives update on Library expansion planning
The Town of Cochrane learns about stakeholder engagement, site analysis, and potential community partnerships for a potential library expansion.
Steinbach makes decision on regional library proposal
Steinbach City Council has decided against being part of a proposed regional library.
January 21, 2026
Rural libraries urge province to close digital divide
Library leaders from Georgian Bluffs, Chatsworth, and Owen Sound used the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference to press the Province for action on improving digital access for rural communities.
Structural wall issue causes closure of Stroud arena, library and curling club
‘The facility will be shut until the issue is reviewed by a qualified individual,’ Innisfil operations director says
Windsor Public Library admin staff relocating from Paul Martin Building to site near city hall
Administrative staff with the Windsor Public Library (WPL) will soon be on the move. Staff will move into the former Motor City Community Credit Union building across from city hall next month and are expected to be fully running by late March.
January 20, 2026
‘It’s a win-win’: Clarington library expands discount program
The partnership with the Clarington Board of Trade brings more businesses to Curious Communities.
‘Warnings from history’: Library promotes books on tough topics
In an effort to help residents understand complex and often frightening global events, the Thunder Bay Public Library has launched a new book display.
January 19, 2026
Dozens of books from London high school’s library found at thrift store
Dozens of reference books formerly from H.B. Beal secondary school’s collection recently wound up at a London thrift store, months after 10,000 titles were culled from the school library’s shelves.
‘Huge demand’: Calgary Public Library hits highest circulation in its history
Officials say the Calgary Public Library (CPL) recorded the highest circulation in its history in 2025, with a whopping 17.5 million items borrowed.
January 18, 2026
Most municipalities turning the page on proposed southeast Manitoba regional library
Steinbach and Niverville are the only two out of 18 municipalities representing 111,000 people to confirm continued interest in working together on a proposal to create a southeast Manitoba regional library system.
Rural London-area high school’s library lost 5,000 books in clear-out
An estimated 5,000 books were removed from the library of North Middlesex District high school’s library, a person with knowledge of the process said.
January 17, 2026
Ottawa’s most successful used bookstores run on donations
A volunteer-run operation moves $500,000 a year in used books — and booksellers say it’s helping, not hurting, the market.
Palestine supporters protest storytime with Israeli youth leaders at Newmarket library
The Newmarket Public Library is facing criticism for hosting a reading series that features an Israeli youth program.
January 16, 2026
From Air Force to archives: New director takes flight at Portage library
From patrolling the skies to navigating the stacks, McKayla Goddard is bringing a unique set of skills to her new role as director of the Portage la Prairie Regional Library.
Kaslo Public Library welcomes new library director
Darlene Edwards has joined the team at the Kaslo and District Public Library as the new library director.
Small-town libraries at risk: Sundridge calls for postal fee protection against Bill C-15
Sundridge mayor says Bill C-15 could result in the “disappearance of a reduced rate of postage for library materials.’’
January 15, 2026
This morning (Jan. 15) the town of Renfrew announced Kelly Latendresse, director of community and recreational services and library CEO, will be leaving her role in the municipality effective Jan. 19 to take on a new position with the Ottawa Public Library.
January 14, 2026
Kanata’s first librarian to be honoured with not one, but two rooms
Joan Dodsworth-Ware was even responsible for the Beaverbrook branch being the first public library in Ontario to have an automated book-lending system on a modern computer.
January 13, 2026
Expert downplays censorship fears after 10,000-book cull at school library
Removal of 10,000 books at a London high school was flawed but was not likely about censorship, a top expert in freedom of expression says.
January 12, 2026
Expanded hours boost Windsor library use; future of Central Branch remains uncertain
It’s been one year since the new hours at the Windsor Public Library took effect, and things have trending in a positive direction according to library officials.
PG Public Library partners with Airport to offer free digital library access to travellers
The Prince George Public Library (PGPL) and Prince George Airport are launching a new partnership to help make waiting at the Airport a bit more bearable.
January 10, 2026
Are Toronto libraries the city’s most underrated third space?
Torontonians are sharing emotional stories about how the Toronto Public Library has served as a safe, welcoming third space, offering far more than just book rentals.
Toronto Public Library logs record number of digital checkouts
Fourteen million — that’s how many digital checkouts the Toronto Public Library logged last year. It’s a record number for the library, whose e-readership has been steadily increasing year after year. They’re on track to hit 100 million lifetime checkouts by April.
Christina Stewart and Rachel Beattie help maintain the University of Toronto’s film library.
January 9, 2026
More than 10,000 books were tossed from the shelves at H.B. Beal Secondary School’s library last year. The Thames Valley District School Board said recycling the books was part of a standard review practice, but some librarians and archivists say there are better ways to give books a second life.
Education minister halts school library culls in midst of Beal controversy
Queen’s Park has shut down school library culls until it investigates why 10,000 books were tossed from the library at a London high school
Libraries like Red Deer’s changing how they hire, train staff because of homelessness crisis
The national homelessness crisis is causing libraries like Red Deer’s to take a new approach to how they operate. That’s prompting concerns from some in the sector who worry they’re shifting away from their mandate.
Nova Scotia program sends library books by mail
It’s a novel idea: helping people who can’t make it to the library gain access to books and materials by mail. That’s what a library serving Colchester and East Hants counties is doing. And as the years go on, so does interest in the program.
Regina Public Library says reading is thriving, despite social media and digital trends
Reading is on the rise in Saskatchewan thanks to e-readers and BookTok, with mystery and fantasy leading in Regina.
The secret advantage for children’s book publishers? Building relationships with school libraries
The relationship between publishers, educational curriculums and school libraries has long been a dynamic one
January 8, 2026
Burnaby Public Library Will Reverse DEI Group Cuts
Staff were concerned about a plan to cancel three working groups devoted to making the library more inclusive.
Libraries across the region receive $990K for accessibility upgrades
The funding is provided through Columbia Basin Trust’s READS program, which supports accessibility upgrades in public libraries.
‘Shelf-by-shelf’: Saskatoon new public library on track to open in 2027
The final timber beam has been installed at Saskatoon’s new public library, as crews continue work on the building’s exterior.
Strathcona County Library’s 2026 budget increases by nearly $400K
Requesting an additional $393,000 in funding, Strathcona County Library’s 2026 budget totals $11.8 million — an approximate increase of three per cent.
Trustees: We were unaware of mass removal of London school’s library books
Trustee Christian Sachs said she was in the dark about the library revitalization project until after it happened.
January 7, 2026
London high school library’s 10,000-book cull sparks censorship debate
More than 10,000 books were tossed from the library of London’s H.B. Beal high school last year, a process that led to the resignation of its frustrated teacher-librarian.
January 6, 2026
Alberta school boards remove dozens of library books as provincial ban in effect
Alberta’s two biggest school divisions say dozens of library books have been taken off the shelves as the province’s ban on sexually explicit material took effect this week.
A newly enacted provincial order on school literary materials prompted some divisions to remove a couple of dozen books from school shelves, but the names of those titles are secret.
January 4, 2026
TNRD library on North Shore set to receive myriad renovations
The North Kamloops Library is set to receive a facelift, beginning this month.
TNRL seeking feedback in first review of mobile library since 2016
Launched in 1973, the TNRL’s Mobile Library predates the inception of the library system in 1974. The service has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of communities, the TNRL added, noting the last Mobile Library service review was done in 2016.
January 3, 2026
Lambton County’s library of things adds first musical instrument to collection
The Lambton County Library has added ukuleles to its library of things.
P.E.I. libraries continued to see rising usage as Islanders borrowed more books in 2025
In a news release Tuesday, the province said Islanders borrowed 735,151 library items over the past year — one of the highest circulation totals on record and a seven per cent increase compared to 2024.
Small town and rural libraries feeling financial strain in Alberta
As a renewed push is underway to update provincial funding, Alberta’s libraries in small towns and rural counties are feeling the strain of filling in gaps for their community while a variety of costs are rising.
January 2, 2026
E-books cost more, but please don’t stop borrowing them, libraries say
Libraries across Vancouver Island are finding it harder to make ends meet as usage of digital collections continues to increase.
Leader council approves library funding, 2026 appointments at December meeting
The Leader Library’s request for additional funding was approved, with the town adding $3,500 to the annual levy to maintain current operating hours.
New drop-bin at Chase Library will make it easier for people with disabilities to return books
An accessible, street-level book drop bin is being installed at the Chase Library, thanks to grant funding from the Social Planning and Research Council of B.C.
North Bay council is projecting a $30 million investment in the public library over 10 years
The library space report will say the present library is too small for the size of North Bay, the book stacks are too high, there is very limited private reading and study space.
Raiders players swap hockey sticks for storybooks at Prince Albert library
Reading with the Raiders is a long-running literacy program that has players from the Prince Albert Raiders hockey team spend time reading with kids. It’s a different kind of exposure for young fans who usually watch from the stands.
Staff illnesses close Windsor Public Library Seminole Branch
Windsor Public Library (WPL) posted on social media saying the Seminole Branch is closed due to staff illnesses.
