Overview

The Ontario Public Library Service Awards recognize Ontario’s public libraries for their creative library service ideas.

There are two awards, each with categories for large, medium, and small libraries:

  • Angus Mowat Award of Excellence recognizes a commitment to excellence in the delivery of public library service; these services can be old or new and can be ongoing
  • Minister's Award for Innovation recognizes successful new approaches that demonstrate a positive impact in a community and are of continued value to public libraries

An independent committee of public library sector representatives review award submissions. Winners are announced at the annual Ontario Library Association superconference.

Browse the 2025 shortlist of nominees.

2025 winners

Angus Mowat Award of Excellence

Small Library Category

Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Public Library for: Homework Club and Summer School Credit Recovery Program

The Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation Public Library, in partnership with the Lambton Kent District School Board, supports youth through a Homework Club and Summer School that offer tutoring, mentorship and credit recovery to help students earn their Grade 12 diploma. The initiative promotes academic success, cultural pride and community connection, providing a safe, inclusive space for learning. This collaboration empowers First Nation youth to build confidence, honor their heritage and pursue new opportunities through education.

Medium Library Category

Welland Public Library for: Proactive Mailout Initiative

In response to a decline in new memberships following the COVID-19 pandemic, Welland Public Library began proactively mailing library cards and promotional materials to non-member households in the City of Welland. The project prioritized convenience by offering easy card activation in-person and online. This innovative program has reduced barriers to library access, significantly increased new user registrations and promoted services to underrepresented and equity-deserving residents.

Large Library Category

Kitchener Public Library for: Wellbeing and Community Connections

Kitchener Public Library’s Wellbeing and Community Connections initiative reimagines the role of libraries in supporting community well-being. In response to the opioid crisis, mental health concerns and deepening social inequities, the library created one of Canada’s first dedicated library-based outreach teams. Staff trained in trauma informed, relationship based practice connect with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction or crisis, while supporting colleagues in maintaining safe and welcoming spaces. The program shows how libraries can integrate social support with equitable access to learning, belonging and public space for all community members.

Minister’s Award for Innovation

Small Library Category

Renfrew Public Library for: Golden Growth: Cultivate, Connect & Create

Golden Growth is a seniors-focused initiative at Renfrew Public Library, partially funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The project empowers seniors as leaders, mentors and creators through three phases: Connect, Cultivate, and Create. Activities include exploring technology and assistive devices, building accessible flower beds for the Sensory Garden, developing bilingual and Indigenous language signage and leading arts and cultural workshops—including painting, writing and storytelling. Golden Growth fosters intergenerational connection, lifelong learning and celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity.

Medium Library Category

Caledon Public Library for: Caledon Connections: Leveraging Partnerships to Support Community

Caledon Public Library and Caledon Community Services have partnered to bring innovative employment, training and essential community supports into library branches. By placing community services staff at three of the library’s branches, community members can seamlessly access life-changing services in trusted, barrier-free spaces. This collaboration strengthens social connections, promotes equity and maximizes community impact by uniting two vital organizations that are meeting people where they are to support lifelong well-being.

Large Library Category

Cambridge Public Library for: Kinesthetic Study Room

In 2025, Cambridge Public Library opened the KineStudy Room, a unique space designed to explore brain-body connections through physical activity and micro-movements. Ideal for kinesthetic learners, as well as those seeking an alternative to traditional study spaces, the inclusive space features movement-friendly seating options such as wobble stools, rocking floor cushions and pedal desks. It also offers fidget tools, flexible work surface options and interactive study aids—including a whiteboard, whiteboard tables and colour-coded write-on floor dots—to support different learning styles and encourage active engagement.

Toronto Public Library for: AI Upskilling Initiative

Toronto Public Library’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Upskilling Initiative bridges the growing AI divide by providing training to 11,000 community members and giving Torontonians access to generative AI tools, skills training and programs to support employment, boost productivity and encourage safe use of AI. Building on Toronto Public Library's proven record of broadening digital access and inclusion, this new initiative includes peer learning circles, one-to-one access to experts, hands-on workshops, professional-scale conferences and independent access to technology through library spaces. Best practices and lessons learned are shared across the library community.

Past winners

Browse a list of past winners.