And just like that, October is over! I suspect the Venn diagram of library people and people who LOVE spooky season is pretty close to a perfect circle, so I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween celebrations, got their fill of literary-themed costumes, and found a little time to recover from a very busy Canadian Library Month! 

We’re putting the finishing touches on a special October recap newsletter that will land in your inbox shortly. We’ll be looking back at all of OLA’s activities, including our Loud for Libraries Road Show stops, media appearances, library tours, and some of the wonderful celebrations we were lucky enough to be part of. There are lots of stories to share, and even more people to thank, so stay tuned! 

Last week, I was in Ottawa for the Library and Archives Canada Scholars’ Awards, where we celebrated Margie Wolfe, co-founder and publisher at Women’s Press and Second Story Press. 

It was a wonderful event and a lovely opportunity to recognize someone who has made such an important contribution to Canadian publishing and storytelling. Second Story Press has long been a champion of books that amplify voices, challenge perspectives, and tell stories that deserve to be heard. It was a pleasure to be there to celebrate Margie and her remarkable work. 

This week (Nov 1-7) is also Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario, an important opportunity to learn more about the treaties that shape our province, our shared history, and our responsibilities today. 

Yesterday, Lily and I had the privilege of attending an event at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park, where we had the opportunity to view the original Treaty 13 document and learn more about its history and significance. 

We heard remarks from Chief Sault and other representatives of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and it was especially meaningful to see so many colleagues from the library and archives community in attendance. 

There’s something quite powerful about seeing an original historical document in person, particularly one that continues to have such significance today. It was a reminder that treaties aren’t simply historical artifacts. They are living agreements, and understanding them is part of our ongoing responsibility toward reconciliation. 

For those looking to bring treaty learning into their libraries and workplaces this week, a reminder that OLA has resources available through our Indigenous Matters page, including tools to support treaty awareness, learning, and conversations with your colleagues and communities. 

I encourage you to take some time this week to explore those resources, learn something new, and keep the conversation going. 

That’s all for this week. Happy Treaties Recognition Week, and congratulations to everyone who helped make October such a wonderful celebration of libraries. 

Namaste, until next week!