It’s our last episode of the year! As 2025 winds down, you’re probably feeling the weight of a full year of library work. This episode is your reminder to pause, breathe, and think about how you’ll use the holidays to reset.
We’re talking with Bobbi L. Newman about realistic approaches to wellbeing in the library workplace: healthier work habits, stronger communication, gestures of appreciation, ergonomics that actually help, staff advocacy, and creative outlets that keep you grounded.
So grab something warm, take a deep breath, and let this short wellness conversation be a small balm for the end-of-year fatigue.
Check out Bobbi’s blog - librarianbyday.net
Grab Bobbi’s book online - enter the code B.Newman2025 and score 15% off your copy when you purchase it on The Library Marketplace.
Don’t miss the ThriveLib Conference, which will be happening again in August 2026. More info: https://www.thrivelib.com/
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Has your library ever struggled with tricky holiday decisions, confusing observance rules, or the great “should we have a Christmas tree in the lobby?” debate, then this episode is for you!
As the holidays creep closer and every public space suddenly fills with cinnamon and Mariah Carey, libraries are busy figuring out how to celebrate, honour, and include everyone in their communities. And that’s where cultural calendars come in.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How libraries are using cultural calendars
Ways to respectfully navigate feedback, decor debates, and strong opinions
How to move beyond performative “holiday lists” into genuine, day-to-day inclusion
Why a calendar isn’t the destination… it’s the starting point
Thanks to Jennie Hamilton, Suzanne Fernando, and Charmaine De Castro for showing how thoughtful planning (and a lot of empathy) can transform how library teams support one another and serve their communities.
Resources:
Government of Canada – Important and Commemorative Days
OLA Anti-Racism Resources for Libraries
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
*******
This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
In this episode of Library Land Loves, we dig into a conversation that feels more urgent in Canada by the day: what’s happening to school libraries, who is challenging what kids can read, and how library people who are also parents can use their voices to protect public education.
Across the country, book challenges are becoming more organized and more politically motivated. Calls for “parental rights” and restrictions on “inappropriate material” are showing up everywhere from school board meetings to provincial legislation. And while this often sounds like a U.S. issue, our guests remind us that it’s very much happening here in Canada — and our response matters.
We speak with three guests who bring different lenses to this issue:
Heather Ganshorn – researcher, librarian, and author of Challenging ‘Parental Rights’. Heather explains where these movements are coming from, why they’re gaining momentum, and the real risks to public education and vulnerable students.
Michael Nyby– who has been tracking book challenges and censorship efforts across Canada. He walks us through the types of books being targeted, the tactics used to pressure schools, and how this affects teacher-librarians and students.
Joel Krentz – a school administrator and parent living this reality on the ground. Joel shares what these challenges look like inside a school, how they affect students and staff, and what supportive parents can do to make a real difference.
This episode is a call to action for anyone who works in libraries and has children in the public system. You know why school libraries matter. You understand literacy, inclusion, and intellectual freedom. And your voice — as a parent — carries weight.
If you’ve ever wondered how to support your school’s library, or stand up for the right to read, this episode gives you real tools, real language, and real hope.
Thanks for listening — and for standing up for equitable, inclusive public education.
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
*******
This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
This episode is your sign—literally—to look around your library and take stock of your signage.
Signage is the unsung hero of library life: it promotes your programs, points people where they need to go, warns, reminds, nudges, and keeps our beautiful chaos running as smoothly as possible.
On this episode of Library Land Loves, Michelle is joined by Aleksandra Dowiat Vine, Mark Aaron Polger, and Mary Kapusta for a conversation about what makes signage work—and where you might need to reassess. So, the next time you walk five steps into your library, pause and look around. What do you see? Are your signs welcoming? Clear? Confusing? Invisible?
If your users are always asking the same questions… this episode might just point you in the right direction.
Hit the shop: grab your copy of Mark Aaron Polger’s book, Library Signage and Wayfinding Design: Communicating Effectively with Your Users
Grab your ticket: OLA Marketing Libraries Think Tank takes place November 13th. Learn about A.I. policy and practices from experts across Canada; gain insights into managing communications challenges in libraries of all sizes; and discover how to best balance democracy in your library marketing and communications strategies! Register today: https://mltt25.vfairs.com/
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Are you looking to step up as a champion for the library sector, or grow your own leadership capacity? Well, this episode is for you. Serving on a board—whether at a school, library, or community organization—offers a front-row seat to decision-making that shapes policies, funding, and values in your community.
Let’s explore what it means to be a strong board member, how to navigate the responsibilities that come with governance, and why your voice matters at the table. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your passion for libraries into impact, joining a board might just be your next big move.
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
*******
This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
This week’s episode is coming to your ears during First Nations Public Library Week. A time to recognize and honour the vital role that First Nations libraries play in their communities—spaces that preserve culture, language, and knowledge, while also providing access to the resources and connections that strengthen community life.
For those of us working in public libraries outside of reserve communities—or for settlers who are simply curious about how reconciliation connects to our work—this is also an invitation. David Robertson, in his book 52 Ways to Reconcile, reminds us that reconciliation isn’t a single act but an ongoing practice, something we choose to show up for again and again. Libraries, as places of learning and connection, have a responsibility to be part of that practice.
In today’s conversation, I’ll be speaking with three librarians who are leading projects that build bridges—between public libraries and First Nations libraries, between settler communities and Indigenous knowledge, and between the idea of reconciliation and the everyday work we do in our institutions. Their stories highlight what true partnership looks like, and how each of us can contribute to stronger, more respectful relationships.
Chapters
00:00 - 2:11 Intro
2:11 - 9:49 Reconciliation Reading List Book Club for Library Staff
9:49 - 22:46 Learning from Place & The Importance of Fostering Relationships
22:57 - 39:03 How Trust & Collaboration with Neighbouring Indigenous Organizations Can Grow Into Lasting Partnerships
39:10 - 42:11 Outro
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Find yourself struggling to maintain a work-life balance? Wondering about the fine line between being a hard worker and an over-worker? What are the consequences of overwork and burnout - for each of us as workers, but also for our organizations? Join Michelle and Malissa Clark, author of Never Not Working to discuss all of these questions and more , her essential guide to navigating workaholism and burnout.
Chapters
00:00 - 02:15 Intro
3:20 - 9:18 Malissa’s background and journey
11:09 - 16:36 Workaholic or Hard Worker?
17:09 - 20:40 Protecting Ourselves from Burnout
20:42 - 25:06 The Lack of Research on Overwork and IBPOC women
25:18 - 33:46 How Organizations can Embrace More Balanced Workplaces
34:25 - 38:20 How to Rewire Our Workaholic Brains
38:20 - 41:02 Closing Thoughts
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Welcome back to a brand new season of Library Land Loves! We're starting season 7 off strong with a deep dive into the OLA's 2026 Super Conference theme 'We Persist'. Host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) welcomes back guests Emily Burns (Director, Education & Impact at OLA) and Matthew Rohweder (2025 President of the OLA’s Board of Directors) to get into the nitty-gritty of this year's choice of theme, how sessions are selected, and what we're most looking forward to for 2026.
Chapters
00:00 - 2:34 Opening & Welcome
2:34 - 9:34 Conference Theme Discussion
9:51 -15:08 Session Proposals- Tips & Tricks
15:08 - 18:58 Proposal Submission and Review Process Updates
18:58 - 22:40 Super Conference Highlights (What We’re Most Looking Forward to for 2026)
22:42 - 27:21 Final Thoughts & Closing
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
We've made it to the end of our season, but before we all take a much needed summer reset, we've gathered some of OLA's most super stars for a sneak peak into The Association's new Strategic Plan that will be guiding us through the next three years. Host and Executive Director of the OLA, Michelle Arbuckle is joined by Emily Burns (Director, Education & Impact), Dr. Sabrina Saunders (Director, Operations), and Melissa Macks (Director, Member Engagement) as they discuss the plan's objectives, how our team will implement them, and why everyone should have a strat plan of their very own. We hope you enjoy this week's episode, and we'll see you back here in September.
Chapters
00:00 - 01:43 Introductions
01:43 - 05:20 What is a Strat Plan and why do we need them?
05:21 - 09:46 How we're supporting members' education needs using our Strat Plan
09:07 - 13:05 How we're prioritizing our members' experiences at OLA
13:06 - 17:53 How OLA will support libraries through advocacy work
17:54 - 20:32 How we're approaching the work & evaluating success
20:39 - 22:28 Final thoughts
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
How do libraries stay relevant—and resilient—on social media in a digital world filled with ever-shifting platforms, polarized conversations, and online chaos? Just ask this week's guest, Kaitlin Slack, Digital Communications Officer at Calgary Public Library, who sits down with host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) for a timely discussion on the evolving role of social media in public libraries.
From building community engagement to navigating misinformation and platform controversies like Twitter/X, Kaitlin shares real-world insights and strategies libraries can use to stay grounded online. Hear how Calgary Public Library developed a social media incident response plan, which platforms are on the rise, and what libraries should consider before jumping ship—or diving in deeper—on the next digital trend.
Whether you're a library pro, digital communicator, or just fascinated by how institutions manage their online presence, this episode offers thoughtful conversation and actionable takeaways.
Chapters
00:00 - 06:01 Introduction & opening chit chat
6:03 - 13: 17 Why Public Libraries Are On Social Media
13:17 - 16:33 Social Media Audience VS Cardholder Demographics
16:34 - 22:17 Impact of Politics on Social Media Engagement in Libraries
22:18 - 26:57 Where is the Online Library Audience?
26:59 - 29:10 What Library Policy Looks Like Around Social Media Presence
29:38 - 32:34 Advice for Libraries in Proceeding with Social Media Platforms
32:34 - 33:36 Closing Remarks
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Welcome back to Library Land Loves. This episode, host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) speaks to award-winning author and editor David A. Robertson about his new role as Editorial Director of Swift Water Books, the first Indigenous children's imprint at a major Canadian publisher. They discuss the importance of mentorship, representation in children's publishing, the founding vision for Swift Water Books, and how libraries can help build inclusive collections that reflect the diversity and joy of Indigenous communities. Whether you're a librarian, educator, or advocate for storytelling, you won't want to miss this one.
Chapters
00:00 - 04:45 Welcome Chat
04:45 - 06:55 Inspiration behind Swift Water Books
06:55 - 14:34 What is an Imprint, Why this Matters?
14:34 - 17:16 Goals for Swift Water Books
17:22 - 19:22 What Makes Content Indigenous? The Importance of Representation and Mentorship for Indigenous Creators
19:36 - 22:26 What Goes Into Curating Indigenous Titles in Library Collection?
22:26 - 25:00 Most Uplifting Parts of Creating an Imprint, Building Community Through Story
25:00 - 27:23 David’s Upcoming Projects
Make sure to check out all the great stuff Swift Water Books is doing.
Follow David A. Robertson here.
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
*******
This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Money talk can be awkward—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) sits down with certified financial planner, bestselling author, and all-around money guru Shannon Lee Simmons to chat about Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life, her forthcoming book aimed at helping teens build financial confidence.
From budgeting bubble tea money to investing for the future, Shannon shares practical advice for young people learning to navigate their finances—and explains how libraries can play a vital role in financial literacy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, librarian, or teen yourself, this episode is packed with tips to help the next generation feel good about money.
✨ Learn how to track, save, spend, enjoy, and grow your money—without guilt, shame, or spreadsheets.
📚 Find out how libraries can support financial literacy in a fun, engaging way.
💡 Discover why it’s never too early (or too intimidating!) to start investing.
📖 Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life hits shelves April 1, 2025, from HarperCollins Canada.
🔗 Learn more at newschooloffinance.com
📘 Book link: shannonleesimmons.com/books/making-bank
Chapters
00:00 - 00:54 | Meet Shannon: Financial Literacy for the Next Generation
03:41 - 05:07 | Teen Money Mistakes: Shannon's Personal Journey
08:50 - 09:43 | The Five Money Pillars: Why Teens Need Financial Skills Now
19:37 - 21:36 | Beyond Shame: Creating Healthy Money Relationships with Teens
34:19 - 37:32 | Investing vs. Gambling: How Libraries Can Protect Teens in the Digital Money Age
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
*******
This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
It’s time to challenge the status quo and rethink our approach, which is why we’ll explore the importance of letting young readers explore stories that push boundaries and reflect the world. This panel discussion is about giving teens the freedom to think, question, and grow, and will dive into how we can move forward. ModeratorMichelle Arbuckle, OLA Executive DirectorPanelistsLawrence Hill, Canadian AWARD-WINNING AuthorMaria Martella, Owner, TinlidsWendy Burch-Jones, OSLA Council President
Chapters
00:00-2:00 Introduction
2:00-12:00 Why Teens Need the Freedom to Read
12:02-25:04 Book Challenges and Censorship
25:04-42:15 Fear and Controlling the Narrative
42:16-53:12 Consequences of Limiting Teens' Reading Choices
53:13-59:08 How You Can Support Freedom to Read
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📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
*******
This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
This week on Library Land Loves, we're diving into the Sinai Health Foundation's Hot & Bothered campaign, a bold initiative raising awareness about menopause and workplace wellbeing. Host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) is joined by Lana Chen, Vice President of Integrated and Brand Marketing at Sinai Health Foundation, and Rebecca Flaman, Executive Vice President and Client Partner at Diamond. Together, they explore how this campaign is breaking stigmas, supporting employees experiencing menopause, and why it's especially relevant in library workplaces. Tune in to learn how libraries can create more inclusive environments and champion women's health.
Further Reading
Get Involved
Support the Hot & Bothered campaign
Get your own ‘Hot & Bothered’ t-shirt
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
As we put Super Conference 2025 into our rear-view mirrors, host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director, OLA) and friend-of-the-show Emily Burns (Director, Education & Impact at OLA) reflect on some favorite #OLASC moments. From standout stats to first-timer impressions, plus candid sound bites from our awesome attendees, we're reliving the energy, insights, and connections that made this year’s conference unforgettable. So buckle up for a journey across those bridges we’ve been building and let's take a moment to celebrate the connections made along the way!
Intro & Opening Chat 00:00-04:02
Staff Favourite Moments: 4:12-6:45
By the Numbers: 7:25-9:12
The Vibes: 11:48-17:09
Virtual Program: 17:09-18:20
First Timers: 18:20-27:30
Attendee Favourite Moments: 27:36-32:06
Closing Remarks: 32:07-36:40
Outro: 36:50-39:04
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🎞️ To view the on-demand content from Super Conference, registrants can log in at the top right corner of the conference website using the email that they registered with:
If you have any questions about accessing the on-demand conference sessions troubleshooting, please send them to superconference@accessola.com.
🫶 Thank you so much to the attendees who provided sound bites:
Adrienne Findley-Jones, John W. Graham Library - Trinity College
Alannah Young, student at Seneca Polytechnic
Amir Feridooni, Markham Public Library
Austin Matheson, Winnipeg Public Library
Casper Helpard-Lafrenier, student at Seneca Polytechnic
Jessica Babineau, University Health Network
Jordan Graham, Richmond Hill Public Library
Lisa Tam, student
Radha Shilesh, Toronto Public Library
Rebecca Reynolds, student at Western University
Silvia Eli, student at Mohawk College
Alex Taylor, Hanover Public Library
Angel Sauvé, Government of Northwest Territories
Frank van Kalmthout, Archives of Ontario
Magali Desjardins Potvin, Ottawa Public Library
Rebecca Luck, Stormont-Dundas and Glengarry Library
Sam Anderson, Kitimat Public Library
Stefanie Chesser, York Regional District School Board
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Oh boy, the Ontario provincial election is upon us, and we know how daunting it can feel. Join host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) and special guest Dina Stevens, Executive Director of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL) for a chat about what we can do as voters to support our libraries during transitional times. Get some hot tips for talking to candidates, as well as what to doafter the election to keep our MPPs engaged.
Chapters
00:00-4:32 Intro
4:32- 8:16 Advocacy Ask #1: ODPL
8:16-10:40 Advocacy Ask #2: Increase to the PLOG
10:40-12:31 Advocacy Ask #3: Sustainable Funding Model for FNPLs
12:32-18:59 How to Engage with Candidates that Come to Your Door
19:00-20:39 The Role Libraries Play during Election Season
20:40-26:27 Post-Election Actions We Can Take to Keep MPPs Engaged
26:28-29:09 Closing Remarks
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become onehere.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing viaInstagram andLinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email:education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email:communications@accessola.com
As library people, we know the value of these super spaces, but how can we better share that appreciation with our communities? This week, join host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) as she sits down with Susan Martin, Manager of Branch Capital Planning and Implementation at Toronto Public Library to dive deep into the fascinating world of library tourism. From guided tours, special collections, and modern programming to creative space designs and renovations, we're getting the inside scoop from the Queen of library tours. So grab your tote bag and fill up your water bottle, the library is open!
Chapters:
00:00-10:37 Intro & Opening Chat
11:41-36:19 Interview with Susan Martin
36:25-38:19 Final Thoughts
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
As the holiday season is well and truly upon us now, we invite you to come with us as we take a minute to celebrate some of OLA's milestones from the past year. We may not be able to tell you the unseemly amount of hours you spent listening to your guilty pleasures on repeat, but we can offer some well wishes from your favourite OLA staff members (as well as what we're all most looking forward to getting up to with our time off). So join us as we say adieu to 2024--we'll see you bright and early next year!
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
Get ready to sleigh your holiday shopping list! 🎄 In this festive episode, our host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) sits down with Vikki VanSickle, celebrated author and resident book expert for CTV’s Your Morning.
Whether you’re shopping for a pint-sized page-turner, a young adult dreamer, or the hardest-to-please adult reader, Vikki’s here with pro tips and must-have book recommendations that’ll make you the holiday gifting MVP.
From cozy picture books to gripping adult fiction, Vikki's got recs for every reader on your list. So grab your gift-wrap and your shiniest ribbons—it’s time to turn the page on holiday stress and let the joy of books guide your giving!
Chapters
00:00-3:42 Intro & Opening Chat
3:51-18:30 Top Tips for Gifting Books
18:30-22:53 Picture Book Picks
22:54-26:52 Middle Grade Picks
28:07-31:48 YA Picks
31:49-38:31 Adult Picks
38:31-31:02 Final Thoughts
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com
It's almost the most wonderful time of the year! That's right, it's nearly time for OLA Super Conference! Join us this week as host and Executive Director of the OLA Michelle Arbuckle sits down with OLA's Director of Education & Impact, Emily Burns as we prepare for Super Conference 2025 'Building Bridges'. Hear all the deets on spotlight and keynote sessions, learn about new and additional programs for 2025, reminisce with us about some favourite moments from Super Conferences past, and get some insider advice to get you fully conference ready. Grab your chapstick and your comfiest walking shoes, and let's dive in!
Chapters
00:00-3:56 Intro & chitchat
4:02-9:55 Highlighting this year’s spotlight & keynote speakers
10:10-16:41 New and Additional programs
16:50-23:33 Other favourite SC gems
23:40-28:08 Virtual Conference
28:08-29:13 Registration Info
29:41-34:28 Closing Remarks and Advice to prep for SC25
📚 You’re not an OLA member yet? Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, you can become one here.
⭐️ Keep up to date with what your OLA besties are doing via Instagram and LinkedIn.
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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.
Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau.
Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.
For programming inquiries, please email: education@accessola.com.
For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: communications@accessola.com