Ontario Library Association Programs and Events
The Ontario Library Association (OLA) serves as a cornerstone for literacy and professional development in Canada. By managing a diverse array of services, the OLA fosters a culture of reading among citizens of all ages and provides essential growth opportunities for library professionals. Among its most impactful initiatives are the Forest of Reading program, the Library Marketplace, and the OLA Super Conference.
The Forest of Reading
Established in the early 1990s, the Forest of Reading is Canada's largest recreational reading program. It is designed to encourage a love of reading by allowing participants to engage with a curated selection of books and vote for their favorites. Each year, more than 270,000 readers participate through their public or school libraries.
The program is unique because the award winners are determined by the readers themselves, who vote within specific age ranges and book categories. The culmination of this process is the annual Forest of Reading Festival held in Toronto, where the winners are officially announced.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Reading Awards by Category
The Forest of Reading umbrella encompasses ten distinct awards tailored to different languages, age groups, and genres:
- Blue Spruce Award: English picture books for ages 4–7 (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 2).
- Silver Birch Express Award: English fiction and non-fiction for ages 8–10 (Grades 3–4).
- Silver Birch Fiction Award: English fiction for ages 8–12 (Grades 3–6).
- Yellow Cedar Award: English non-fiction for ages 9–14 (Grades 4–8).
- Red Maple Award: English fiction for ages 12–14 (Grades 7–8).
- White Pine Award: English fiction for high school students (Grades 9–12).
- Le prix Peuplier: French picture books (ages vary).
- Le prix Mélèze: French fiction and non-fiction short chapter books or advanced picture books (ages vary); formerly known as Le prix Tamarac Express.
- Le prix Tamarac: French fiction and non-fiction chapter books (ages vary).
- Evergreen Award: Fiction and non-fiction for adults.
OLA Super Conference
While the Forest of Reading focuses on the public, the OLA Super Conference is dedicated to the profession of librarianship. This event originated in 1902 as the OLA's annual conference and was rebranded as the Super Conference in 1995.
Today, it stands as the largest continuing education event for library professionals. Held annually in Toronto, Ontario, the conference also hosts Canada's largest library trade show, providing a hub for innovation and networking within the industry.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- The Forest of Reading attracts over 270,000 annual participants.
- There are 10 different reading awards offered across English and French languages.
- The OLA Super Conference is the largest continuing education event in the field of librarianship.
- The Super Conference includes Canada's largest library trade show.
- Both the Forest of Reading Festival and the Super Conference take place in Toronto.
Program Summary
| Program/Event | Primary Target Audience | Key Feature | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest of Reading | Children, Teens, and Adults | Reader-voted book awards | Toronto (Festival) |
| OLA Super Conference | Library Professionals | Continuing education & trade show | Toronto |
| Library Marketplace | Library Professionals | Industry resources and services | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the Forest of Reading winners chosen?
Winners are selected through votes cast by readers who fall within the target age ranges for each specific book category.
Which awards are available for French-language readers?
French readers can participate in Le prix Peuplier (picture books), Le prix Mélèze (short chapter books/advanced picture books), and Le prix Tamarac (chapter books).
What is the OLA Super Conference?
It is the largest continuing education event for librarianship in Canada and includes the country's largest library trade show.
When did the OLA Super Conference start?
The event began as an annual conference in 1902 and was rebranded as the Super Conference in 1995.
Who can participate in the Evergreen Award?
The Evergreen Award is specifically designed for adult readers of fiction and non-fiction.