Safer Place: Orillia Public Library

Last Trained - 2022

Industry - Public Library

Region - Ontario

Address - 36 Mississaga Street West, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 3A6

Website - http://www.orilliapubliclibrary.ca

What can members of 2S-LGBTQ+ community expect in your space?

At Orillia Public Library you will find representation and allyship among our staff and volunteers. Our newly formed EDI Committee looks at OPL programming, policy, and procedures through a lens of equity and diversity that includes 2S-LGBTQ+ perspectives. You will find a wide variety of resources across our collections, from children’s storybooks and young adult novels, to biographies, DVDs, downloadable resources, and more. We have partnered with organizations like Gilbert Centre to offer 2S-LGBTQ+ programming to the community, as well as professional development for staff. You will find displays, crafts, decorations, signage, social media posts, and programming geared toward or inclusive of the 2S-LGBTQ+ experience.

Percent of the organization which has completed our professional development workshop or learning modules: 94%

What is your commitment to creating safer spaces for 2S-LGBTQ+ community members?

As a public institution funded by tax dollars, we must provide free and democratic access to information on all subjects in all formats to everyone. To this end, we are committed to expanding our collections to be more inclusive and diverse in its contributors and content. Fundraising has begun to explicitly build upon 2S-LGBTQ+ content and representation across all physical collections. OPL will undergo a Diversity Audit of our collections as part of our newly launched strategic plan. We are looking to make our space visibly safer by introducing updated signage on public restrooms and at our entrances to indicate to the community that OPL is a safe place that is actively working to reduce barriers to service and resources for members of 2S-LGBTQ+ communities.

How can members of 2S-LGBTQ+ community provide feedback?

Your feedback is always welcome. Do you have recommendations for our collections, or questions about our programs and/or spaces? Please contact OPL at [email protected], call 705-325-2338, or visit us in person. We have a suggestion box where you may anonymously deliver your feedback, or you can ask for a manager - our staff welcome these critical conversations, and we’d love to hear from you.