Public libraries are no longer just about books—they’re community connectors, technology hubs and trusted resources. Oakville Public Library CEO Tara Wong explains how libraries across Canada are evolving to meet the current moment.
With 642 public library systems and roughly 3,350 branches across the country, Canada’s libraries are among the most widely used public institutions in the nation. Canadians visit them nearly 100 million times each year—almost as often as they go to the movies—and about 56 percent of the population uses a library annually, a rate comparable to visits to national parks and higher than museums, theatre or the zoo.
Far from fading in the digital era, libraries have grown. A national analysis found that public library use rose about 45 percent between 2000 and 2009, even before the current digital shift accelerated demand for eBooks, wifi and online services. In Toronto, active memberships have remained remarkably stable over time, while digital borrowing and wifi sessions have surged.
Today’s public libraries are increasingly described as “national assets” and trusted “third places”—welcoming, barrier-free spaces that host everything from technology lending and job-seeking support to food distribution and digital literacy programs. Economic impact studies suggest every dollar invested in libraries generates an estimated five to six dollars in value for users.
To better understand how this evolution is unfolding on the ground, we spoke with Tara Wong, CEO of Oakville Public Library, about how libraries are expanding beyond books—and why they may be more essential than ever.
ParentsCanada: How are public libraries evolving beyond books in Canada, and how does the Oakville Public Library illustrate this transformation?
Tara Wong: At their core, public libraries have always been about connection, and that role is expanding as communities face growing challenges related to isolation, rapid technological change and shifting demographics. Across Canada, libraries are evolving well beyond books to become true community connectors.
At the Oakville Public Library (OPL), this transformation is reflected in our mission: “We bring together people, information and ideas to enrich lives and build healthy communities.” Today, staff help match customers not only with books, but also with digital resources, programs and sometimes community or government partners who can best support their needs.
This shift has pushed libraries to innovate and expand their offerings. At OPL, that includes dedicated creation spaces where families can explore technology and develop new skills. It also includes our non-traditional “Library of Things,” allowing customers to borrow items such as Ontario Parks passes, life jackets, outdoor sports kits, carbon monoxide detectors and wifi hotspots.
PC: What new services do modern libraries offer Canadians today?
TW: As digital technology and community needs have evolved, so have modern public libraries. Today, libraries across Canada offer a wide range of services that go far beyond books.
Alongside physical collections, libraries now provide access to eBooks, digital audiobooks, streaming platforms and online learning tools through services like CloudLibrary, Libby and Hoopla, making it easy to read, watch or learn from anywhere.
Libraries have also expanded into lifelong learning. Food literacy, financial literacy and recreational literacy programs are becoming more common. At OPL, our sports collection includes life jackets, snowshoes and cricket and lacrosse kits, giving residents a chance to try new activities without purchasing equipment.
Libraries are also investing in creative spaces that give people access to equipment and programs for sewing, 3D design and printing, silk screening, laser cutting, woodworking, recording, podcasting and filmmaking.
Modern libraries continue to bridge socio economic gaps by offering free public computers, wifi hotspots and access to social services through community partnerships.
PC: Why are public libraries more essential than ever in Canada’s digital age?
TW: Public libraries play an essential role in Canada’s digital age because we help families navigate a world overflowing with information and ensure everyone can participate fully, regardless of income or digital access.
Not all families have reliable internet, current devices or paid digital tools. Libraries bridge this gap by offering free wifi, loanable hotspots, computers, printers and staff support for essential online services—from government forms to job applications to virtual learning.
Libraries also help Canadians make sense of the vast amount of information online. We provide access to trustworthy, curated resources and offer media literacy classes and digital safety workshops designed to strengthen critical thinking skills.
The rapid rise of AI makes this role even more important. Libraries are introducing beginner-friendly AI programs and discussions about bias, transparency and privacy. The goal isn’t to turn people into AI experts, it’s to help them think critically and confidently about the technologies shaping their lives.
In a digital world overflowing with information but short on clarity, public libraries remain trusted guides and essential supports.
PC: How is Oakville Public Library using technology like e books, streaming, makerspaces or digital literacy programs?
TW: At OPL, technology is central to how we support learning, creativity and digital confidence. Demand for eBooks, digital audiobooks and streaming content rose by 43 percent in 2025, mirroring national trends. At the same time, physical items still make up the majority of our circulation, which means we must carefully balance budgets and advocate for fair pricing and equitable access to digital content.
Makerspaces and creative learning environments are another major area of growth. OPL opened its first Creation Zone in 2016, and our newest branch, Sixteen Mile, will feature three creative spaces. These labs allow families to experiment with tools ranging from sewing and embroidery machines to Cricuts, 3D printers and a fully equipped audio/video studio.
We are also launching our first Discover Zone, a STEM-focused space designed for school-aged children, offering daily and weekly hands on experiments families can try together.
These developments reflect a broader shift across Canada: libraries are embracing technology as a path to creativity, digital literacy and community connection.
PC: In what ways are libraries becoming inclusive community hubs?
TW: Across Canada, public libraries are evolving into inclusive community hubs where newcomers, job seekers, teens and seniors can learn, connect and feel supported. OPL is a strong example of how this transformation is happening in practice.
For newcomers, libraries are often one of the first stops as they explore their new communities. At OPL, partnerships with settlement agencies, ESL conversation circles and multilingual resources help families build confidence and belonging.
For job seekers, libraries provide access to technology, résumé support, job fairs and digital skills training. Oakville residents can also use LinkedIn Learning, with free access to more than 7,000 courses.
For teens, libraries offer safe, inclusive spaces to study and explore their interests. OPL’s Homework Health program includes targeted academic and mental health support for neurodiverse teens in grade 9 through 12.
For seniors, drop in tech help, digital literacy classes, book clubs and social programs reduce isolation and help older adults stay connected.
Taken together, these services demonstrate why public libraries are essential community hubs.
PC: How did the role of public libraries change during and after the pandemic?
TW: In many ways, the pandemic accelerated the modernization of public libraries. Almost overnight, libraries shifted from primarily in-person service to flexible, digital-first models. Libraries rapidly expanded virtual programming for all ages. At OPL, we launched our first virtual story time within two weeks of closing our doors. Digital collections circulation surged nationwide.
When limited in person access resumed, libraries introduced new ways to support residents safely. OPL implemented themed book bundles and shifted from stationary desktop computers to more flexible laptops.
Many of these innovations became permanent. Libraries now blend physical and digital services in ways that offer greater choice, convenience and accessibility.
PC: What impact do libraries have on community well-being and social connection?
TW: Public libraries play a powerful role in supporting community well-being and strengthening social connection. We offer welcoming spaces where people can feel supported, less isolated and more connected.
Libraries foster empathy through diverse collections, create opportunities to meet new people and learn together and provide supportive staff and accessible spaces.
In Oakville, we see this firsthand. Our Teen Advisory Group designs programs that bring teens together through shared interests. During Public Library Month, we hosted BookTalk, Live! featuring major publishers and lively conversations among local book lovers—an event we plan to make annual.
Libraries provide spaces, programs and relationships that help people feel connected and part of something larger.
PC: What are the biggest challenges libraries face as they evolve?
TW: As public libraries evolve, we face funding constraints, growing pressures around intellectual freedom and the complexity of creating safe, welcoming spaces for increasingly diverse communities.
Libraries are primarily supported through municipal taxes, yet much of our work advances provincial and federal priorities. This creates a widening gap between expectations and available resources, pushing libraries to build partnerships and innovate while maintaining high service standards.
Libraries are also navigating increased concerns about materials and programs, particularly those representing 2SLGBTQ+ communities and diverse identities. Public libraries remain committed to an individual’s right to read and access a wide range of viewpoints.
Staff are increasingly responding to mental health-related situations and behavioural challenges while ensuring the library remains safe and welcoming for all.
Despite these challenges, public libraries remain committed to equitable access and inclusion.
PC: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Canadian public libraries?
TW: My vision for the next decade of Canadian public libraries is for them to be the heartbeat of healthy, connected communities—the first place people think of when they want to gather, learn, explore ideas or feel a sense of belonging.
Libraries will continue to evolve into vibrant community hubs that offer the tools, spaces and supports people need to navigate a rapidly changing world. We will help residents build digital confidence, develop new skills, foster creativity and stay connected with one another.
Ultimately, the future of public libraries in Canada is about impact: creating inclusive, resilient and thriving communities through lifelong learning, connection and access for all.
