Sonia Bebbington

As Chief Executive Officer and Chief Librarian of Ottawa Public Library (OPL), North America’s largest bilingual (English/French) public library, Sonia provides strategic leadership and practical guidance to all OPL’s departments, programs, and services. Serving more than one million residents, OPL helps to build community and transform lives through its mission to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people. Sonia ensures innovative and responsive services across OPL’s 34 physical and virtual branches, and spearheads OPL’s collaboration with the City of Ottawa and Library and Archives Canada on Ādisōke, a joint library facility that will be the home of OPL’s Central branch. This landmark city project will welcome both Ottawa residents and visitors from around the world. Sonia represents OPL on several sector-specific associations and committees including Canadian Urban Libraries Council (Vice Chair 2025-2027, Chair 2027-2029), Urban Libraries Council, and Chief Executives of