Marketing and Programming Resources for Canadian Public Libraries
Looking to energize your library’s programming and outreach in 2025? We’ve got you covered! From engaging book clubs and film events to ready-to-use marketing materials, here’s a round-up of key resources designed to help Canadian public libraries connect with their communities.
Lights, Camera, Canada! Discover Canada on Screen
On June 12th The Maple Collection launched, Kanopy’s newest PLUS Pack that celebrates all things Canada. Specifically curated for Canadian public libraries, this collection features a rich lineup of films and TV shows that showcase Canadian talent, stories, and landscapes. From acclaimed titles like Porcupine Lake, Brand Upon the Brain, The Twentieth Century, Comic Book Confidential, and more, there’s something to captivate every viewer.
Offered at a single flat rate, the Maple Collection gives your library access to unlimited watching making it easy to offer your patrons a truly Canadian streaming experience, anytime, anywhere. Reach out to your account manager or learn more here.
Ebooks and Audiobooks Curated with Canadian Charm:
Explore OverDrive’s specially curated ebook and audiobook collections that celebrate the heart and soul of Canada. From French language favorites to Indigenous voices, regional and national book award winners to stories steeped in Canadian culture. These collections are designed to reflect the richness and diversity of the nation. Check out all the Canadian centric lists.
Deepening Canadian Publisher Ties with New Lending Models and Promotions
At OverDrive we work closely with Canadian publishers to add new content, open up new lending models, and participate in upcoming sales. Check out the latest publisher updates:
Now Offering the OverDrive Max Lending Model:
These publishers are now offering their full catalog through the OverDrive Max lending model, which enables multiple users to borrow the same title simultaneously until all available checkouts are used. For example, a title might include 100 concurrent loans with no expiration date. This is an ideal solution for book clubs, community reads, and classroom use.
Sale Content from Canadian Publishers:
Now through June 30th ECW Press has content on sale through the Audiobook Month Sale. Check out this full list of sale titles from ECW Press like Moon of the Crusted Snow, Dandelion and many others!
Don’t miss the Adult Fiction Ebook Sale, running through June 30! Discover great deals on titles from Canadian publishers including Cormorant Books, Dundurn Press, ECW Press, and House of Anansi Press. Explore the full selection of discounted titles from these and other Canadian publishers as part of this special sale.
In the Know – OverDrive Hosted Webinar
OverDrive’s “In the Know” webinars are a recurring series designed to keep library partners informed about the latest content offerings from publishers and in an upcoming “In The Know” there is a special focus on Canada.
ECW & Annick Press will present a Backlist Spotlight on July 16th at 1:00pm Eastern Time. Register here.
During this presentation you will hear about boundary-pushing fiction, to ahead-of-its-time nonfiction, and diverse voices for kids, we’ll show you how ECW & Annick Press have always had a book for every reader! With special guests including the Literary Press Group of Canada, a guest author Q&A, and prizes to be won, you don’t want to miss it!
Supporting TD Summer Reading Club
For over 10 years, OverDrive has been a proud supporter and technology partner for the TD Summer Reading Club – Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities. This free program is co-created and delivered by more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada. Since its inception, it has reached over 8 million children to celebrate Canadian authors, illustrators and stories. It’s designed to inspire kids to explore the fun of reading their way.
Learn more about how to get your patrons involved.
Bring Readers Together—Across Canada and Around the World—with Libby Digital Book Clubs!
Libby makes it easy to unite readers near and far through engaging book clubs. Participating libraries receive the selected ebook and audiobook at no cost for two weeks, no holds, no waitlists, just instant access for your patrons.
Readers can join a built-in online discussion board to connect, share thoughts, and dive deeper into the story with fellow book lovers. Best of all? Participation is completely free.
Here’s what’s coming up for Canadian libraries:
Big Library Read
Join the global eBook club that connects readers around the world with the same title at the same time.
Dates: July 17–31
Title: The Storyteller’s Death by Ann Davila Cardinal
Together We Read Canada
Coming in November, this book club celebrates Canadian authors with this country-wide digital reading program. Official dates and title selections are coming soon. Be sure to opt into our emails so you don’t miss updates about this program.
Inspire Film Lovers with Kanopy’s Big Movie Watch – Coming This September!
September 19-28, 2025, spark community conversations and film discovery with Kanopy’s Big Movie Watch, a film club designed for library patrons across Canada and the United States.
Launching in September, libraries will get ticket-free access to a specially selected film for two full weeks. The title will be available at no cost to your library for Kanopy Pay-Per-Use and PLUS Pack partners. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your community together. Patrons can watch and join the conversation using social media.
The featured title will be announced soon so stay tuned!
Looking to Boost Engagement with your Digital Collection? We’ve Got You Covered.
You’ll find everything you need to train staff, promote your digital contact, and build curated collections on the OverDrive Resource Center:
Promotional Materials: From posters to social media graphics and more check out the Libby Resource Center along with the Canadian Specific Kanopy Resource Center for free marketing goodness.
BONUS: For French-language materials, navigate to: Resource Center > Public Library > Marketing & Outreach > View the “In Case You Missed It” Section > Global Languages Marketing Kit
Staff Training: The most important part of your digital collection is your staff. Getting them up to speed with Libby and Kanopy helps to ensure patron success. Check out all of the FREE training materials we have available.
These tools and programs are ready to help your library reach more readers, movie lovers, and lifelong learners across Canada. Happy programming!