Library leaders from Georgian Bluffs, Chatsworth, and Owen Sound used the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference to press the Province for action on improving digital access for rural communities.
Meeting with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, the municipal delegation raised concerns about the widening gap between urban and rural Ontarians when it comes to online library services. They emphasized that residents in smaller communities depend more heavily on public libraries for digital access, yet face significantly fewer available resources. Data from the Ontario Library Association shows that people in rural areas have access to less than one-third of the online resources available in Toronto, despite using digital library services at twice the per-capita rate of large urban centres.
The delegation was led by Georgian Bluffs Chief Administrative Officer Ryan Thompson, a long-serving member of the local library board. The group called for provincial support for the creation of an Ontario Digital Public Library, a centralized system that would allow libraries across the province to share digital collections. Advocates say the model would reduce subscription costs by as much as 40 per cent while ensuring consistent access to high-quality digital learning tools for all residents.
“Our library is a lifeline,” said Georgian Bluffs Mayor Sue Carleton. “Every Ontarian, regardless of where they live, should have access to the digital resources we have that support literacy, education, employment, and community well-being. For those without access to transportation, whether in rural or urban areas, digital library services provide a vital connection to their community. An Ontario Digital Public Library would help make that access possible for everyone.”
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy echoed that message, emphasizing the role of libraries in keeping communities connected and competitive.
"Strong digital library services are not a luxury, they’re a necessity. Expanding digital resource access helps ensure our community remains connected, competitive, and contributive. We would strongly support the establishment of a provincial Digital Public Library.”
Chatsworth Mayor Scott Mackey also voiced support for a province-wide approach to digital access.
“Libraries play a vital role in expanding knowledge and fostering lifelong learning for all,” he said. “Chatsworth supports the creation of a Provincial Digital Public Library to encourage and enhance access to library services and resources for all.”
Local library usage continues to climb. Between 2023 and 2024, the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library recorded a 23.6 per cent increase in program attendance and an 8.2 per cent rise in memberships. Growth continued in 2025, with program participation increasing by another 16 per cent and memberships growing by two per cent. The library also logged 50,000 additional eContent uses compared to the previous year, alongside higher demand for Wi-Fi and public computer access. Among libraries of similar size, OSNGUPL ranks third in digital service use, with digital resources representing approximately $57,000 of its annual operating budget.
OSNGUPL Public Library Board Chair Richard Thomas said the delegation’s advocacy reflects a broader provincial concern.
"We are pleased that our municipal funders, Georgian Bluffs, Chatsworth and Owen Sound are championing the needs of their library by meeting with the Province," Thomas added. "These issues are significant not only for us, but for libraries across Ontario. Both the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries and the Ontario Library Association have been working to address Provincial funding and digital access for all Ontario residents. We are hopeful that these issues will be addressed."
In addition to supporting the Ontario Digital Public Library, the municipalities also requested targeted increases to provincial operating grants to help rural libraries meet growing community needs, including employment services, early literacy programs, supports for seniors, and mental health resources.
With broadband infrastructure already expanded through provincial investment, library leaders say the timing is right to implement a shared digital library system. They expressed hope that continued collaboration with the Province will lead to stronger, more connected communities across Ontario.
