Remember last week when I was complaining about an energy drought? Well, May has arrived with one of those “wow, libraries are doing incredible things everywhere” energy boosts. 

I had the chance to take part in the IFLA Managing Library Associations midterm meeting, and truly, the scope of work happening across the globe is something else. Thoughtful and ambitious – this program is always a good reminder that we are part of something much bigger, and that the challenges we are navigating here are being met with creativity and determination worldwide. Shoutout to the new EDs at both ALA and CARL who showed up and presented despite being only a few months into their roles.  

Closer to home, we recorded a new episode of Library Land Loves with James Turk, focusing on the rapidly evolving situation in Alberta. That episode drops tomorrow, and I really encourage you to listen and share. It is an important conversation, and one that helps all of us feel more prepared to support our colleagues and respond thoughtfully as things unfold. 

I also spent time with the Program Advisory Committee for Seneca College’s Library Technician program. It was a great opportunity to talk about what is being asked of LTs in today’s workforce, and just as importantly, to hear about how their curriculum is evolving. These conversations matter so much as we think about the future of the profession and how we support people entering it. 

On the learning front, our RA in a Day program was a huge success. It is always a joy to see library folks come together to share ideas, sharpen their readers’ advisory skills, and leave with practical tools they can use right away. 

And finally, I had the pleasure of attending the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) in Brampton. As always, the programming was outstanding, and the Literary Cabaret was an absolute highlight. Such a fun, vibrant celebration of storytelling. If you have not been, consider this your sign to put it on your calendar for next year. Come for the authors and storytelling, stay for the dessert bar (if you know, you know).  

I hope that the force is very much with you this week.

See you next Tuesday!