The OLA Larry Moore Distinguished Service Award

The OLA Board of Directors bestows an honourary life membership on a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the libraries of Ontario through his or her work within the Association. The work done must be seen as significant by members from more than one type of library. This award is presented on an irregular basis. A plaque is presented to commemorate the occasion.

To apply: Complete the online nomination form by November 1
For questions or more information, contact [email protected] 

To view more information on eligibility and nomination procedures
To view past recipients

2019 Award Recipient

Yvonne Patch Hamilton Public Library, OLA Mentoring Committee Yvonne was an originating member of the Mentorship Committee at OLA. It is a topic and skill that is close to her heart, and over the years she has mentored newcomers to the field as well as those experiencing mid-career issues. Recently she has also focused on the transition of the retiring librarian, and has presented on post-retirement options and issues.  A humble leader, she has made positive impact within libraries and had a long, distinguished career. Yvonne will be retiring from Hamilton Public Library in 2019. OLA Awards Committee 2018

2018 Award Recipient

Richard Reid Durham District School Board There is no doubt that Richard deserves this recognition for his daily support of library programs, but I feel it important to nominate him on the basis of a critical incident in our Board last year.  In the spring, we were forced to pull the novel Thirteen Reasons Why from our shelves with no consultation with school-level TLs over the concerns caused by the Netflix production by the same name. Personally, I felt that this was an affront to my professionalism and that of my colleagues and I expressed this sentiment to Richard.  Richard, while on compassionate leave, took the time to call to calm and reassure me.  He also took on the tough issue at a regional meeting. He  defended the TLs of our Board and their ability to assess their collections to our Board leaders.  This is no small feat; to speak up about censorship and protocol to those in charge is courageous.  For this reason, Richard will always have my support. Brigitte Beaulieu-Platnar, Ajax High School, Durham District School Board