Upcoming Events

Library Space Design Challenges: A Virtual Workshop Series

  • April 16, 2026 | Roseville Public School

Leadership and Management

  • April 21, 2026 | Why Library Boards Matter: Legal Clarity and Good Governance 

Library Space Design Challenges: A Virtual Workshop Series

Whether you’re in need of renovation insights or you want to share your experience and expertise with others who may be struggling with community engagement and planning, this virtual workshop series offers a unique opportunity to support the library community, and gain new perspectives on library space design challenges. Join other library workers and architects for one (or more) of these curated case study sessions to troubleshoot and find creative solutions together. Then stay tuned for even more case studies at the main event in June 2026: the Library as Place Conference! Co-presented by the OLA Library as Place Committee.

Leadership and Management series 

What happens when municipal councils misunderstand the legal role of public library boards? This session tells the story of two recent governance challenges in Bradford West Gwillimbury — a 71-day library strike in 2023 and a 2025 dispute over council access to library reserve funds — to illustrate why public library boards must be understood as independent corporations, not town departments. Drawing on lived experience as a former board vice-chair and current municipal councillor, the speaker outlines how the Public Libraries Act sets clear lines of authority, and why respecting those lines protects intellectual freedom, staff wellbeing and public trust. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how governance breakdowns occur and how to prevent them, with takeaways relevant to trustees, CEOs, staff and municipal leaders alike. 

A live webinar featuring Jonathan Scott, elected Town Councillor for Bradford West Gwillimbury – Ward 2 (Ontario).

Please note: this is a repeat session from OLA Super Conference 2026.

Category/Categories: Management and Admin / Staff, Training, Mentorship

Intended Audience: Managers and leaders, and colleagues interested in leadership roles. Everyone is welcome.

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The Library Marketplace Curated Collection

Check out our resources on leadership and management to add to your training library or personal collection. Visit the Library Marketplace for recommended reads!