Southern Ontario Library Service

Stronger Libraries Stronger Communities

Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS) was established in 1989 and is mandated to deliver programs and services on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Culture by:

• Increasing cooperation and coordination among public library boards and other information providers in order to promote the provision of library service to the public; and
• Assisting public library boards by providing them with services and programs that reflect their needs, including consultation, training and development.

Mission: The people of Ontario, as represented by the Minister with jurisdiction for public libraries, will have equitable access to library services at a sustainable cost.

1.  Libraries will be equipped to deliver equitable access.

1.1.             There will be a network for equitable access to worldwide library collections.

1.2.       Libraries will provide services according to minimum standards.

1.2.1. Libraries will have a mechanism for collaboration on the development and achievement of common standards.

1.3.       Libraries will have a mechanism for collaboration on the cost-effective acquisition and use of resources.

2.  The Minister will be equipped to deliver equitable access.  

2.1.             The Minister will have expert, credible information and advice about the sector.

2.2.             The Minister will have a mechanism for delivery of core information and services that need to reach all libraries.

SOLS grew out of an amalgamation of regional library systems that themselves had provided support and development services to the libraries in their regions for decades. SOLS now serves the public libraries of almost 200 municipalities from Windsor to the Quebec border and north to Muskoka and ranging in population from hundreds to hundreds of thousands. Many of our services are provided collaboratively with OLS-North and other partners. Some of our services are provided province-wide.