Upcoming Events
Leadership and Management
- April 21, 2026 | Why Library Boards Matter: Legal Clarity and Good Governance
- June 23, 2026 | Quiet Leadership: Why Introverted Leaders are Essential to Library Success
Leadership and Management series
Why Library Boards Matter: Legal Clarity and Good Governance
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.
Quiet Strength: Why Introverted Leaders are Essential to Library Success
Not all great library leaders are the loudest voice in the room—and that’s a good thing.
Libraries thrive on thoughtful decision-making, deep listening, meaningful relationships, and steady, values-driven leadership. This session reframes introversion as a powerful leadership asset rather than something to “work around.” Whether you identify as an introvert, manage introverted staff, or simply want a more inclusive and sustainable approach to leadership, participants will gain insights into reflective thinking, empathy, preparation, and how having a calm presence can create strong teams, healthier workplaces, and more responsive libraries. You don’t have to lead loudly to lead well and have a lasting impact on your colleagues and work environment.
Please note: this is a repeat session from the pre-conference leadership and management workshop during 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!