Upcoming Events
Freedom to Read Week
- February 24, 2026 | Breaking the Chain: Unlocking Library Programming Ideas in Support of Freedom to Read
Library Space Design Challenges: A Virtual Workshop Series
- March 12, 2026 | St. Angela Merici School (DPCDSB)
- 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.
Grab a series pass and attend all three workshops:
- February 12, 2026 – Blue Mountains Public Library (Completed)
- March 12, 2026 – St. Angela Merici School (DPCDSB)
- April 16, 2026 – Roseville Public School
NOW OPEN: Individual session is also available – click the session linked above to register for the single session.
Breaking the Chain: Unlocking Library Programming Ideas in Support of Freedom to Read
How do you encourage readers to seek out banned books? There’s more than one way, that’s for sure! Freedom to Read Week encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom. While there is an increasingly coordinated effort to challenge books and remove them from shelves, libraries can respond with engaging programs in support of Freedom to Read, to broaden minds and encourage important dialogues. Tune into this cross-Canada panel discussion for inspiration to develop your own creative library programming and bring attention to banned books year-round, from community activities to engaging artwork exhibits!
Presented by The Partnership and hosted by The Education Institute / OLA.
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm ET
Location: Online via Zoom.
Moderator: Emily Burns, Director of Education, OLA
Panelists:
- Kelly McCray, Ontario-based visual artist and creator of Tower of Banned Books
- Cora-Lee Eisses and Terry Murray, Cape Breton Public Library
- Wendy Wright, Library Director, Smithers Public Library
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.
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!