How is it already mid-November? I’m not sure how we got here, but last week was a full and fascinating one. 

I started the week with a visit to the new Markham Campus of York University, where I got a tour of the stunning new library and its incredible makerspace. It’s such an inspiring space — flexible, modern, and full of ideas about what the future of library learning and interdisciplinary collaboration can look like. 

Later in the week, I attended the Professional Advisory Council meeting for Seneca’s Library Technician program, where we talked about how the profession is evolving and how library education continues to adapt to meet the needs of today’s workplaces. Always such a great group to connect with. 

We also released a new Library Land Loves podcast episode all about library signage — featuring the wonderful Aleksandra Dowiat Vine, Mary Kapusta, and Mark Aaron Polger. We’ve got some very practical advice and tips from this group, and advice on what you should see within the first five steps of entering your library.  

The OLA Board also met last week, reviewing updates from across the association. Over the next few weeks, Board members will be completing their annual evaluation process — an important part of our ongoing work toward good governance. We also heard from OLA’s CFLA representative, who shared an update on the activities happening at CFLA. 

And on Sunday, I wrapped up the week at the Guelph Film Festival, where The Librarians documentary was screened to a full house. Afterward, James L. Turk and I joined the audience for a conversation about book challenges in Canada — what we’re seeing, why it matters, and what the implications are when professional library roles and policies are undermined. It was a thoughtful and passionate discussion, and I’m so grateful to the festival for spotlighting this issue.