Last week, OLA President Matthew Rohweder and I hosted our fall Town Hall — a chance to connect with members across the province and share what’s happening at OLA right now (and what’s coming next).
Super Conference 2026: We Persist
Matt kicked things off with some exciting Super Conference news — we’re officially 115 days away from our 125th Super Conference, and this year’s theme, We Persist, could not be more fitting.
We hit a new record with just over 400 conference proposals submitted (thank you to everyone who took the time to share your ideas!). The full program and registration launch the week of November 10, so keep an eye out.
And yes — I can confirm that Amanda Jones will be our Friday closing keynote. You’ll also see a few other familiar faces, including someone from the new Reading Rainbow (cue theme song 🎶).
Strategic Plan in Action
We also updated members on our Strategic Plan 2025–2028, which is now fully in motion. The Board and Councils have identified 69 objectives for this first year — all aligned with our three priorities:
- Invest in People. Strengthen Libraries.
- Champion Libraries. Secure the Future.
- Create Value. Build Belonging.
A major milestone to look out for this fall is our Inclusive Libraries Report, developed from the survey led by the OLA Anti-Racism Committee earlier this year. It’s an important piece of our ongoing EDI work and will help guide where we go next.
Introducing the New OLA Model
Here’s the big reveal: OLA is evolving how members engage with the association.
The new OLA Member Engagement Model makes things easier, more inclusive, and a lot more flexible. It’s made up of three connected layers:
- Board + Staff – the steady anchor.
- Sectors – public, academic, school, health, and special libraries, are where our members live professionally.
- Communities of Practice (CoPs) – the newest aspect of our model – open, cross-sector spaces for sharing and learning together.
We’re starting with five Communities of Practice:
- Inclusive Libraries
- Climate Action
- Indigenous Librarianship
- Francophone Community
- Technology
Each CoP will grow and take shape based on the members who join — think of it as a sandbox for sharing ideas and experimenting together.
What Happens Next
In the coming months, we’ll continue sharing updates, gathering member feedback, and setting up the first community meet-ups. We’ll also create resources and documentation to help each CoP find its rhythm and leadership.
And the best part? You can get involved right now. Indicate your interest.
How to Join In
Update your member record, choose your sector, and indicate which CoP you’re interested in. Bring your ideas, your energy, and your curiosity.
As we said at the Town Hall: This is your OLA. Let’s build it together.
See you next Tuesday,
Michelle
Meet the Author
Michelle Arbuckle
Executive Director, OLA
Michelle Arbuckle is OLA’s Executive Director. Reporting to the OLA Board of Directors, Michelle’s key responsibilities are government relations, advocacy, partnership development, the implementation of the strategic plan and supporting the exceptional OLA staff team. She is an avid lifelong learner, a tea sommelier, and wants to know your astrological sign.
