Ontario Library Association

The Child and Youth EXPO is an opportunity for children’s and youth library services staff to exchange ideas about innovative programs and services.

If you’re interested to learn how to provide the best programming for children and youth, this is place!

Join other library service staff for this year's full-day conference with the theme, "Low Tech, No Tech, and Whoa Tech: Child and Youth Programming from Analogue to AI."

See you in person in London, Ontario!

Register today: https://bit.ly/4d5JQAw

📚✨ Happy First Nation Public Library Week! ✨📚

Taking place October 4–10, this year’s theme, “Your library is bigger on the inside,” is all about celebrating library visitors and the incredible services at the library.

The OLA thanks First Nation public librarians for their dedication, leadership, and vital work in cultural preservation, education, and community connection.

Learn more and check out the program schedule: https://buff.ly/DgYEFpc

🎨 Artwork by Rebecca Sampson (Beausoleil First Nation)

Ontario Library Service

Advocacy doesn't have to be complicated.

Small, consistent actions can help build relationships, strengthen your message, and raise awareness of your library's impact.

Check out the full Advocacy Actions Checklist:🔗 https://buff.ly/QegX6pK

Did you know that October is also National Medical Librarians Month?

This year’s theme, “Medical Librarians: Trusted Expertise in Times of Change,” reminds us that health librarians remain a trusted source of guidance and support in rapidly evolving healthcare and information environments.

The OLA is proud to represent 100+ health library professionals across Ontario and celebrate the expertise they bring to their communities and workplaces.

It’s here—OLA’s Autumn 50/50 Raffle! 🍂

Now open, purchasing tickets directly impacts Indigenous communities and youth across the province.

Your support will:
- Provide vital resources to Ontario First Nation Public Libraries.
- Strengthen literacy programs for Ontario youth, helping them discover the joy and lifelong benefits of reading.

Get your tickets today: https://bit.ly/4AsTxD1

The winner will be contacted to claim their prize—thank you for your support!

License: RAF1580090

It's Canadian Library Month! 📚🍁

This October, we're getting and celebrating the people, stories, services, and communities that make libraries so vital.

What are you getting loud about this Canadian Library Month?

Today is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day that honours Residential School Survivors, their families, and the children who never returned home.

We encourage everyone to take time to reflect, learn, and engage with the ongoing work of reconciliation. As you do so, we invite you to read a reflection written by Andrew Wiebe, on behalf of OLA's Indigenous Advisory Council.

This article highlights the work already happening across the sector—from revising descriptions and negotiating culturally responsive access to returning digital copies and building community-controlled repositories. It also asks us to consider whether institutions are changing who has authority over Indigenous lands, knowledge, and records.

Read the full article at the link below and continue this conversation in your OLA member Sector Forums.

Read here: https://bit.ly/47nC7ul

To continue learning about Indigenous knowledge protection, join us for the 2026 OLA Copyright Symposium. On Dec 3, Kyle Napier will speak on Indigenous Knowledge and Sui Generis Legislative Development.

The latest episode of Library Land Loves is all about the small acts of connection that can have a lasting impact, and that change often begins with a simple hello.

For library workers, this conversation is a reminder that the spaces they work in play a vital role in helping people feel welcomed, connected, and seen. Listen in as our guest Peter Bombaci shares why face-to-face connection is so much more than a "nice to have.”

https://bit.ly/4hU3J0c

Thank you to our presenting sponsor, CVS Midwest Tape, a physical media provider to Canadian public libraries since 1989! Hoopla for Libraries

As the season changes, so are our reading and watching lists!

Our staff team has been reflecting on what we’ve been gravitating to this fall. In large part, this has been to stories that comfort, challenge, surprise, and inspire us.

Today we’re sharing our beloved rereads, cozy comfort shows, favourite podcasts and more that cover a wide range, from thought-provoking nonfiction to spooky thrillers.

What’s on your fall TBR? We’d love to know so we can add it to our lists, too!

OLA Town Hall – You’re Invited!

All OLA members are invited to the upcoming Town Hall in early October. This is an opportunity for you to hear from OLA’s Board President and Executive Director about:
- Updates on key projects
- Advocacy works
- Plans for the 2027 Super Conference

We hope to see you there!

Date: October 1 - 12pm – 1pm
Register: https://bit.ly/4ACCuif