Ottawa Public Library recipient of surprise donations

A representative from the Florida-based Levenger Foundation Inc. visited multiple Ottawa Public Library (OPL) branches recently to give them each a donation of $1,000. These gifts are a wonderful way to kick-off Canadian Library Month!

The cheques, in US funds, were given to seven OPL branches (Centennial, Hazeldean, Manotick, Munster, North Gower, Richmond, and Stittsville) with no strings attached. Five of the seven branches serve smaller communities in rural areas of Ottawa.

“This random act of kindness is appreciated and we are so grateful,” said Jan Harder, OPL Board Chair. “Branches in rural communities tend to have smaller operating budgets. These branches will benefit from this funding, and will use it in the best way possible for their individual communities.”

This is not the first time Levenger Foundation Inc. has made financial donations to public libraries. In the spirit of being “committed to contributing to organizations and programs that promote reading and literacy,” they have spread their generosity to other Canadian libraries, including others in Ontario, as well as Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan. _ The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is the largest bilingual (English/French) public library system in North America, and one of the best public library systems in Canada. The OPL extends public access to information and services through the library’s 34 branches, physical and virtual at _ _ www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca _ _ , as well as two mobile libraries and a vending machine-style lending library service. Serving close to one million Ottawa residents, OPL’s mission is to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people. Follow us on Twitter _ _ www.Twitter.com/OPL_BPO _ _ and like us on Facebook _ _ www.Facebook.com/OPLBPO _ _ . Contact us at 613-580-2940 . If it’s out there, it’s in here! _