Ottawa police say the reported threat to public safety against the Ottawa Public Library is unfounded. 

The threat led to the evacuation of the City of Ottawa and the closure of all its branches yesterday afternoon, Friday.

 The city asked residents to stay away from the libraries during the investigation.

 Ottawa police said that a "public safety threat" occurred around 3:30 PM.

 "Ottawa police received a service call at around 3:30 PM yesterday from the Ottawa Public Library, reporting to police that it had received a threat to public safety over the phone. The City of Ottawa closed all public libraries and cultural facilities as a safety precaution, according to its requirements."  The police service said in a tweet: "Protocols."

 "Police responded and investigated the matter and deemed the threat to be unfounded. Police investigations are ongoing."

Ottawa Public Library Board Chair Matt Luloff told media  that an unspecified threat was made over the phone against the Ottawa Public Library, and based on police advice, all branches and neighboring facilities were evacuated.

 Luloff said: "The Ottawa Public Library takes threats against public safety seriously."  "We hope to resume services as soon as we have the police's approval."

 Luloff added that library staff are cooperating and working with police during the investigation.