Happy Ontario Public Library Week!
Celebrations began early this past Friday with Canadian Library Workers Day. I had the opportunity to attend a special flag-raising ceremony at Mississauga City Hall to recognize the incredible people who make our spaces both welcoming and inspiring. This is what OPLW is all about – taking the time to reflect on how we champion and speak up for libraries in our communities.
There’s lots happening at OLA this week – fall is definitely in full swing!
Canadian Library Month continues, and there is lots more ahead. Keep telling your library stories, keep making connections, and stay Loud for Libraries.
Libraries have a role to play in the AI conversation…
Happy Canadian Library Month from all of us at OLA!
October is always one of my favourite months in library land, and there is already a lot of momentum building. This week is also First Nation Public Library Week, an important opportunity to celebrate FNPLs and the people who make them such vital places for connection.
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour survivors of residential schools, remember those who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism.
It’s an important day for learning and reflection, but it’s also a reminder that reconciliation is work we need to carry with us throughout the year.
It’s officially fall! Which means a few things – yes, I’m wearing a sweater. Yes, there is pumpkin spice cold brew in my mug. Yes, someone is gently reminding you that your Super Conference proposal is due very soon! Let me circle back on that.
Last week was a big staff week at OLA, with a full day for our senior leadership team followed by a full in-person staff day. We looked back at some of our summer highlights, talked about our goals for the next three months (somehow there are only 75 working days left in 2026!), and did some training on our member management tools.
Oops, we’re a day late, sorry. Let’s blame the holiday Monday?
Happy back-to-school season, everyone! There’s something about September that always feels like a fresh start – new routines, new notebooks, and a pencil case full of sharpened Laurentian pencil crayons. Ahhh, the memories.
I mentioned that last week Lily and I attended Markham Public Library’s staff development day – and it was such a fantastic session. We talked about what it means to be Loud for Libraries and how everyone can be an advocate, no matter their role. Advocacy doesn’t always mean meeting with elected officials. It can be sharing a story, talking about the impact of your work, or helping someone better understand why libraries matter.
“Where are the scary books?”
“Do you have any fantasy like Percy Jackson?”
“I like sports. Any novels about that?”
If you’ve worked a day in a school library, chances are you’ve heard similar questions.
For many educators, the arrival of artificial intelligence in schools can feel a little like the opening scene of a Star Wars film…
