This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

The CFLA National Forum is an opportunity for library people from across Canada to gather and discuss library advocacy at a national level. The morning's schedule is as follows:

• 8:30 AM: Light Refreshments
• 9 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
• 9:15 AM: Panel Discussion on Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Library Associations 
• 10:00 AM: CFLA Advocacy
• 10:45 AM: Workshop: Issues of National Importance in Libraries with CFLA-FCAB Committees
  
  Location: MTCC 204

This is a Pre-Conference workshop and has an additional fee of $50 per participant to cover the cost of workshop materials and light refreshments. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. This pre-conference workshop will be taking place offsite at the University of Toronto, St. George campus. Attendees will be responsible for their transportation to and from this offsite pre-conference workshop.  

Resource Description and Access (RDA) is an international cataloguing standard. With its 3000+ elements, the official RDA Toolkit supports many applications. Application profiles specify which elements to record in your catalogue. This workshop teaches participants about RDA through constructing an application profile. This “learning by creating” approach will deepen participants’ knowledge of RDA and strengthen appreciation for existing application profiles. Designed for cataloguing educators, supervisors, and trainers familiar with the official RDA Toolkit, this workshop is led by Canadian librarians connected with the RDA Steering Committee and Program for Cooperative Cataloging. With the original RDA Toolkit set to be decommissioned in May 2027, this workshop provides a timely bridge to the official RDA Toolkit. This is a full day, in-person workshop located at the University of Toronto downtown campus. Attendance is capped at 24 participants.

This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

This session will help you to gain the advocacy skills that you need to craft persuasive messages and strategies that will influence politicians, decision-makers, colleagues and partners. You will learn to identify key issues and connect them to the priorities of others to ensure that your voice and your solutions are heard and acted upon.

Location: MTCC 206E

This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Through facilitator presentation, individual reflection, dyads, small and large group interactions, participants will learn and practice strategies to strengthen their presence and impact in order to develop trust and bridge confidently with stakeholders inside their organizations and beyond.

Location: ICTC Caledon

This tour requires pre-registration and has an additional cost of $60 per participant. 

This tour will leave from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre at 10:00AM and will return by 2:00PM. The tour will include two Toronto Public Library branches that are thriving in malls: Bridlewood and Maryvale. Please ensure that you bring some snacks with you as we will be not stopping for lunch. Some refreshments will be provided during the tour.

This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. This pre-conference workshop will be taking place offsite at the Toronto Reference Library. Attendees will be responsible for their transportation to and from this offsite pre-conference workshop. 

Join us for a practical and hands-on workshop on assistive and accessible reading technologies. This workshop will provide an overview of some key assistive and mainstream technologies that people with lived experience with various print disabilities use to access and read the content and resources that libraries offer. Led by people with lived experience of a disability, the workshop will offer demonstrations and hands-on learning of the sometimes complicated and confusing landscape of assistive and accessible reading technologies, including screen readers, switches, magnifiers, refreshable braille displays, ebook and audiobook readers and more. The workshop will also highlight some of the common accessibility barriers that exist to reading in both the digital and physical landscapes. This workshop aims to provide library staff with practical knowledge that they can take back to their library to better meet the reading needs of people with print disabilities in their own communities.

This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Is your library's strategic plan gathering dust on a shelf? Transform your annual planning process by integrating the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework—a dynamic approach used by leading organizations to bridge the gap between lofty goals and day-to-day operations. In this engaging, two-hour workshop, we'll demystify OKRs and demonstrate how they can revolutionize the way libraries set goals, track progress, and achieve strategic alignment. Through interactive activities and real-world examples tailored to the library sector, you'll learn how to create meaningful OKRs that energize your team, foster accountability, and drive measurable results. Join us to discover how OKRs can make your strategic plan a living document that inspires action and delivers impact.

Location: ICTC Ontario

This is a Pre-Conference meetup. Pre-registration is required.

Join OLA's Community-Led Libraries Committee for an Open Space Conversation focused on the wins and challenges of community-led library work from across the Province. In this pre-conference workshop, attendees will be able to connect, network, learn, and share information about community-led practices, collaboratively arriving at areas of discussion that have importance for them and their communities in a supportive and dynamic environment. By using an open space conversation method of engagement in the workshop itself, pre-conference attendees will be exposed to a community-led tool while engaging in the process of co-design and leadership.

Please note that this tour requires pre-registration.

Always wanted to see what happens at the Toronto International Film Festival library? Well, now is the time! TIFF is offering several opportunities for attendees of the OLA Super Conference to tour the TIFF Library. Please note that the TIFF Library is approximately 10 minutes' walk away from the conference centre.

For those unable to attend an official OLA Super Conference tour, you may still visit the TIFF Library during your time in Toronto. Library hours are from 10am-5pm Monday to Friday. 

This is a pre-conference tour. Space is limited and registration is required. 

The Penguin Random House head office is just a block away from the Convention Centre and they are inviting library guests to tour their 12th and 14th floor. There will also be time for a brief publishing Q&A. 

*This is a walking tour - please dress appropriately. 

This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

The main goal of this workshop is to instruct attendees on how The ArQuives, Canada’s 2SLBTQIA+ Archive, plans and conducts engaging workshops and events for their patrons. This workshop will use past successful Zine workshops as a framework, with participants of this workshop will be able to create their own zines and take home a workshop toolkit zine. The demonstration will inform attendees why tailored programming that activates an organization’s collections is essential in strengthening community bonds. As a supplemental item, the zine offers an inclusive and adjustable toolkit for attendees to begin planning and implementing programming which activates their library collections and is tailored to the communities they serve.

Location: MTCC 206F

This is a Pre-Conference meetup. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

This session is open to staff who work in collections departments in public libraries. It is an opportunity for us to come together and discuss the many topics and issues common to our work. Come learn from your peers on many important theses that we deal with regularly: digital collections, staffing, processing, self/AI published works, non-print formats, and everything else we can fit into the time.

Location: MTCC 206D

This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

Learning through making develops a creative practice that stimulates the mind-body connection, while also building bridges to engage in creative ways to learn and teach. In this workshop for beginners, participants will make a commonplace notebook and a flagbook (materials provided). Commonplace books are collaged DIY notebooks, put together quickly with paper and glue, designed to be a customized place for brainstorming, note-taking, observations, ice-breakers, etc. Flagbooks are interactive and adaptable for a variety of purposes including creating a personal archive, a tool for teaching vocabulary, geography, and math, or an abstract piece of art. Taking time to step away from our screens and use our hands and minds in different ways allows us to build connections between materiality and content while also importantly, build connections/bridges to others as we work by ourselves but together; the process of bookmaking invites quiet reflection as well as conversation between makers.

Location: ICTC Humber

This is a pre-conference workshop and requires pre-registration.

Every library has an amazing story to tell about their contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Whether you are a small public library or a large consortium of academic libraries, your library is contributing. By telling your story, you are advocating and marketing the work that is making an impact on your community and inspiring others.  

In this workshop, participants will learn how libraries can demonstrate progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals through storytelling. We will begin with an explanation of the SDGs, followed by a description of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Library Map of the World. Next, three librarians will tell the story of how their library’s work advances the SDGs. Finally, IFLA Impact Trainer Kimberly Silk will guide participants in how they can tell their library’s story. Participants will receive resources for librarians who are interested in their story being curated for the Library Map of the World. Bring a draft or even a kernel of an idea to the workshop in order to work with others to flesh out the story.

Location: ICTC Caledon

This is a Pre-Conference workshop. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

In this interactive workshop, participants are guided through a Story Drama, or immersive storytelling experience, where they dramatize a picture book. The book “Dark Cloud” by Anna Lazowski, will be read in segments, where the storyteller stops periodically to use drama, movement, writing, and music exercises to investigate character perspectives and choices, build environments, and explore present themes. Participants will use movement, tableau, writing in role, role play, improvisation, poetry, large and small group collaboration, and more to experience the story rather than listen to it as passive audience members. The drama unfolds as the story unfolds. This workshop offers step-by-step guidance to successfully implement Story Drama into regular storytelling sessions for groups of all ages. Additionally, participants will be provided a collection of 15+ Story Drama exercises that elevate and activate storytelling using rich picture books, and a sample unit plan with Ontario Curriculum connections.

Location: MTCC 204

Please note that this tour requires pre-registration.

Always wanted to see what happens at the Toronto International Film Festival library? Well, now is the time! TIFF is offering several opportunities for attendees of the OLA Super Conference to tour the TIFF Library. Please note that the TIFF Library is approximately 10 minutes' walk away from the conference centre.

For those unable to attend an official OLA Super Conference tour, you may still visit the TIFF Library during your time in Toronto. Library hours are from 10am-5pm Monday to Friday. 

This is a pre-conference workshop and space is limited. Please pre-register through this link to save your seat.

New to the library and information sector? Or in a technician, IT, HR, or policy role and finding your way through the library sector? Connect with sector leaders and others at the Sparking Forum, generously funded by the Maggie Weaver Legacy Fund. Gain leadership insights from the Fire-side Chat with Sarah Downey, President & CEO at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). 

Location: ICTC Ontario/Niagara

Please note that this tour is now sold out. You are welcome to add your name to the waitlist.

For over a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a fundamental role in shaping and celebrating Canadian culture. Now in its 101st year, the TSO’s commitment to musical excellence and ability to spark connection remain as strong as ever. With a storied history of acclaimed concerts and recordings, Canadian and international tours, and impactful community partnerships, the TSO is dedicated to engaging and enriching local and national communities through vibrant musical experiences.

The OLA's Special Libraries Committee presents this tour of the TSO Library as part of the OLA Super Conference 2025.

TOUR NOTES:

• This is primarily a seated tour due to space constraints.
• Please bring your coats with you into the space because the host venue can't guarantee a holding space backstage due to performance times.
• Unfortunately, the library is not accessible for people with mobility devices.
• Photography is permitted in the library.

Join us for the opening evening of the OLA Super Conference, where Librarian and Archivist of Canada Leslie Weir will interview Sarah Downey, Executive Director of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library (TPL). 

Location: ICTC Ballroom

Super Conference is celebrating its 30th year! There is much to celebrate, so  let’s start your conference off right. Come and join your fellow conference attendees for a welcome reception after the opening keynote. A great way to meet new people and see familiar faces.

Convention centre carpets and heavy publisher catalogues will do a number on your body! Join us for yoga and ease into your day with some gentle stretches. Librarian and yoga instructor Justine Cotton will guide you through gentle poses and mindful breathwork to boost your energy and mood for the day ahead. Everyone is welcome (no yoga experience required) and mats will be provided - simply wear comfortable clothes and bring some water to drink. No registration required. 

Location: MTCC 105

Libraries everywhere recognize that play is vital to children’s learning. During play children build communication skills, expand their knowledge of the world, and learn to problem solve. STEM play is a valuable experience libraries can offer, especially for families who face barriers and do not have access to enriched play opportunities. Early exposure to STEM toys that spark interest in science and technology inspire today’s children, engaged in play, to become tomorrow’s passionate technologists. Both Greater Victoria Public Library and Vancouver Public Library provide low-barrier, in-branch STEM kits, toys, and programs that explore concepts such as coding, basic electricity, engineering, math and science. In this session, participants will share challenges and successes with STEM play at the library and STEM toy recommendations for kids and teens. Let’s chat about low-barrier models that help families discover new ways for their children to learn!

Location: MTCC 104CD

Join me for an engaging conversation aimed at empowering librarians to build meaningful connections with their Black community members. As a Black Studies Librarian at a university without a dedicated Black Studies department, I will share my experiences in mapping and defining Black Studies within a large institution. This journey includes building robust relationships across various departments, student groups, and external organizations. Participants will engage in interactive discussions on best practices for fostering relationships, creating welcoming spaces, and establishing collaborations that support Black Studies initiatives. We will explore strategies for balancing outreach efforts with other responsibilities and personal wellbeing. This conversation is recommended for those interested in fostering inclusivity and ensuring that Black Studies and community engagement are prioritized within academic institutions. Through these discussions, participants will gain practical insights and actionable steps to enhance their outreach and support for Black communities.

Location: MTCC 201D

At this session, the Chair and Vice-Chair of CFLA will provide updates to the broader library sector on work underway at CFLA throughout 2024. CFLA engaged in a transformative program of stakeholder engagement to improve its impact to the Canadian Library sector - this session will provide updates on how work in the area of governance transformation, enhanced communications and stakeholder engagement have progresses since last year. Additionally, CFLA will share its accomplishments and activities in the area of advocacy and talk about how members of the sector can support this important work. Learn more about the 2025 Board priorities and opportunities for involvement.

Location: MTCC 206AB

Trouver des ressources intéressantes pour les adolescents en immersion, core et extended French n'est pas facile. Cette session nous donnera la chance de partager les ressources pour les enseignants de la 7e à la 12e année et les bibliothécaires/bibliotechniciens.nes, alors apportez vos idées!!

Location: ICTC Humber

Discover how we grew our monthly Queer Craft Circle from zero attendees to almost 30. We’ll share our strategies for connecting with local community groups and cultivating library champions.

Location: ICTC Caledon

Cybersecurity is an oft-forgotten multidisciplinary field of study that lurks within digital skills, but this potentially scary subject is much easier to approach than you might imagine. Canada offers many funded programs that support public facing institutions like libraries and schools that support you in developing this essential 21st Century media literacy. The vast majority of cyber breaches depend on user illiteracy to succeed, and Canada’s democracy depends on media literate citizens capable of identifying foreign interference in our diverse mediascape. Timothy King is an Ontario educator who has been working on cyber education and active research provincially, nationally and internationally over the past seven years. Travel with me as we explore the many tools available to you that will help you begin to integrate essential cyberskills into your programming. Together we can make Canada digitally safer while enjoying the benefits of secure digital transformation.

Location: MTCC 104B

Join a semi-structured conversation about our experiences as neurodivergent library workers. We’ll focus on sharing and hearing on several topics, including how we’ve found our neurodivergence impacts our work experiences and some of the workarounds, techniques, supports, and tools we’ve found help us work around barriers we find we face as neurodivergent library workers. Please note that anyone who identifies as neurodivergent (whether self- or professionally identified) is welcome to join; people just starting to question their own neurodiversity are also welcome. Please come ready to talk in groups using prompts. There will also be a digital document for optional sharing with the larger group.

Location: ICTC Ballroom B

Please note that this session has been withdrawn from the 2025 program at the request of the facilitators. OLA is actively exploring opportunities to facilitate this discussion in the future, and are grateful to the organizers for their commitment to this topic.

Library workers are invited to a two-part discussion (Thursday morning and Friday morning) about how you and your institution respond to world shaping events like Israel’s military actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. As libraries deliver core services - information literacy, collections development, library space, etc. - should library workers be free to reflect on troubling global realities in their work product and speak to these concerns in their day-to-day work lives?

The following themes will be used as discussion prompts:  

• Neutrality - Do personal beliefs have a place in library work? Is neutrality ever possible? 
• Avoidance - Do contentious conversations take place where you work? Should they? 
• Assumptions - Do you fill in the blanks about how your colleagues and students feel based on their identities?
• Actions - How do you respond to global conflict in your work? What do you wish you or your institution were doing?

This conversation will be governed by the Chatham House Rule.

Learning Objectives

• 1. Participants will leave the session able to compare their response to global conflict with those of other library workers.
• 2. Participants will leave the session able to compare their institution’s response to global conflict with those of other institutions.
• 3. Participants will leave the session able to describe how the OCULA EDI Community of Practice provides an opportunity to engage in topics of critical importance to library professions.
  
  Facilitators: Ben Walsh, University of Toronto | Jessica Shiers, Algonquin College | Selena Mann, OCULA EDI Community of Practice

In this talk, Jenny Kay Dupuis shares her personal journey of using literature and art to break the silence and shed light on important topics related to Indigenous experiences that have impacted her life. She reflects on her latest children’s book, Heart Berry Bling, which reveals the injustices faced by First Nations women and their children under the Indian Act. Despite being a work of fiction, Heart Berry Bling captures the lived experiences of thousands of First Nations women and children, including her own grandmother’s and her own experiences. Jenny Kay also uses this book to share teachings about the strawberry and express her views on the world and the concept of Indigenous joy. Throughout her presentation, Jenny Kay emphasizes the importance of teaching, telling, and hearing difficult stories, and explores how unlocking barriers can create a culture of empowerment, respect, trust, and innovation.

Location: MTCC 201EF

Libraries employ numerous types of employees. Often the tendency is to divide these employees into two groups: librarians and library staff, which conflicts with the goals of expanding the diversity of library employees and building bridges to create more inclusive workplaces. We seek to explore the need to find a balance between grouping individuals collectively and recognizing their unique role differences.

Location: MTCC 202

As hybrid and remote work reshape organizations, what value do physical library spaces in special libraries still offer? This interactive peer-to-peer conversation invites professionals from special libraries (e.g. corporate, health and hospital, government, museum, law, and nonprofit education sectors) to explore the reshaping and redefining of their spaces. Facilitators will lead a discussion on how physical libraries can continue to support collaboration, creativity, and innovation, during a time of evolving user needs. Attendees will be invited to share experiences and strategies for restructuring these spaces to complement virtual services and resources, and adapt to the changing organizational demands and needs of our communities.

Location: MTCC 206CE

With many Canadian post-secondary libraries running makerspaces or media labs (and some more than a decade into that journey), we thought it might be a good time to gather, reflect, and discuss how far we have come, where we are right now, and what the future might hold for us all. Whether you have years of experience working in experiential learning spaces, are thinking about starting one at your institution, or are a student exploring a future in academic library makerspaces, we believe you have something to bring to this conversation. You, the attendees will lead the direction of the discussion, but potential talking points could include: staffing models, institutional support, EDIB initiatives, emerging technologies, the impact of AI, the role of library-education in preparing makerspace employees. Through open conversation and the utilization of audience feedback tools, we hope this session will be a chance to explore, reflect, and connect.

Location: MTCC 206D

Join TPL's staff resource group Pride Alliance as well as staff from library systems across Ontario to network and learn from each other around staff-facing initiatives and building inclusive workplace culture in your libraries. At the end of this session, we hope attendees will have made valuable connections with other library staff and feel inspired to make their libraries more welcoming for 2SLGBTQ+ customers and staff.

Location: ICTC Ballroom A

You're ready for a leadership role - everything you've learned has led you here. But what if it's just temporary? Interim leaders stabilize, build resilience, and continue growth during uncertain times, all while preparing for the transition to a permanent leader. Chris Cooper and Stephanie Kurmey have both served in interim leadership positions at Saskatoon Public Library before returning to their previous roles. Chris stepped into his first library management position, and Stephanie temporarily led Public Services. Together, they'll share insights from their interim leadership experiences, including strategies for navigating uncertainty, balancing short-term decisions with long-term vision, and managing the handoff to permanent leadership while applying their lessons back in their permanent roles.

Location: MTCC 201AB

“Mastering Work Opportunities for Graduate Students” will explore various aspects of graduate student work in libraries. I will draw on my experience as a Digital Scholarship Reference Assistant at the University of Toronto Mississauga and a Student Library Assistant at Scholars Portal to talk about both what I gained and what I would have done differently from my experience working in libraries as a graduate student. The aim of this session is to provide a forum where graduate students and established information professionals can come together to consider how job opportunities for graduate students can be optimized.

Location: ICTC Kingsway

Do you have a Peer Support Team? Do you want one but don't know where to start? Neither did we! In 2023, BPL library staff brought forward the idea of a Peer Support Team to enhance organizational wellness. Since starting this process, we’ve had other libraries reach out asking about our process. It turns out, we weren't the only ones struggling to implement this type of idea. We did the research and with trial and error built a functioning Peer Support Team. We will share a bit of our experience to get the conversation started. Then we will facilitate a conversation where YOU share your experiences with peer support...the good and bad. Then we all leave with something to ponder. Spoiler Alert: We capitalized on what we were already doing...it was easier than we thought!

Location: MTCC 204

Venez découvrir les défis d’avoir une petite équipe avec une très grande collection dans la bibliothèque Jean-Léon-Allie. Depuis la pandémie, l’université Saint-Paul, est passé d’une semaine de travail de 28h pour les employées à temps plein sauf que notre bibliothèque est ouverte 7 jours par semaine pendant les sessions d’automne et hiver. De plus, notre collection qui a plus d’un demi-million de volumes circule plus que jamais avec le partenariat entre bibliothèque de l’Ontario (Collaborative Futures) et les demandes de numérisations. Cette présentation s’inclinera sur les défis et les réajustements que nous avons dû faire pour continuer nos services avec le moins d’interruptions possible.

Location: ICTC Halton

Join us for two special Shop Talks:

Community Connect: Creating Effective Library Partnerships with Local Support Agencies

• Discover how the Community Connect program creates impactful partnerships between libraries and local community support agencies to better serve underserved populations. This session will showcase how we leveraged existing library resources to offer five flexible, customizable options for community agencies--allowing them to extend their services within the library. You'll learn how this low-cost, high-impact model can increase community engagement, foster meaningful collaborations, and position your library as a central resource for local services. Attendees will leave with actionable steps and a replicable blueprint to implement similar partnerships in their own libraries, enhancing outreach and making a real difference in their communities.

Learning Hard Truths: Building a Bridge to Reconciliation One Book at a Time

• Library professionals are often sought for support in guiding communities through their Truth and Reconciliation journeys. For those still uncovering these truths, this can be a daunting responsibility. Discover why, in response to Call to Action #57, the leadership team at Orangeville Public Library developed a book club for staff as a form of professional development. Learn how this initiative, along with Indigenous-led training and workshops, empowered staff and built the bridges needed to walk alongside their community on the collective journey towards truth and reconciliation.

Location: MTCC 203A

In this session, we will discuss how Elections Canada works to reduce barriers to electoral participation for Canadians. We will explore how libraries are a natural ally for civic literacy initiatives and we will talk how we can support libraries with their evolving role in their local community.

Location: MTCC 203B

In this session, Marie Henein will offer practical advice on how to build a meaningful career on your own terms. This session is designed for individuals at any stage of their career, and will offer valuable takeaways on maintaining professional integrity, building confidence, and growing your career with purpose.

Location: MTCC 104B

Are you contemplating a leadership role in an academic library but unsure if it’s the right path for you? Join us for a discussion where we will explore the opportunities and challenges of leadership in academic libraries. This session aims to provide insights, share experiences, and offer practical advice to help you make an informed decision about pursuing a leadership role.

Academic library leaders from the University of Ottawa, University of Guelph, Seneca Polytechnic, Ontario Tech, and University of Toronto will share their diverse experiences—both positive and challenging—to provide you with a glimpse into leadership in an academic library.

This session will include a panel of current academic library leaders and group discussion.

Location: MTCC 204

The healthcare human resource crisis continues to put immense pressure on practitioners who are already overworked, overwhelmed, and burned out. At a time when healthcare is desperately in need of solutions to reduce the burden on clinicians, the flood of solutions offered by AI products are enticing. However, without the ability to distinguish between truth and hype, the risks of unsafe AI use in healthcare are profound. In this presentation, medical librarians from the Centre for Effective Practice will discuss lessons learned from developing the AI Learning Centre, an AI literacy platform for primary care clinicians. Part one will provide an overview of our process in scoping, framing, delivering, and iterating on a targeted AI literacy resource. Part two will delve into the difficult task of assessing and articulating risk of specific types of AI product in primary care, given the challenges in the current healthcare AI landscape.

Location: ICTC Caledon

Audiobooks as a format choice are growing in popularity and abundance on the market and they are often considered an inherently accessible format, making books available to people who can’t read print. However, for readers who rely on audiobooks there’s a gap between the promise of audiobooks and their need to access the full content of the book. Likewise, publishers and producers also face a gap in standards and information about the user experience with audiobooks. An current research project led by CELA along with partners from across the accessible reading landscape seeks to address these gaps by inviting readers with and without print disabilities to experience a variety of ways of presenting information in commercial audiobook, and sharing their feedback to advance accessibility.

Location: MTCC 203A

The annual Typical Week Survey, affectionately known as Count Week, can be an onerous task for many library staff across Ontario. With staff movement and turnover, it can also be difficult to maintain data integrity, with reasonable turnaround times for reporting. With a goal of continuous improvement, Mississauga Library staff embarked on a Lean project to find efficiencies with Count Week reporting for both front line staff, and administration through use of existing library software and technology. This cross-departmental project led to an 83 per cent decrease in turnaround time for reporting, and a 94 per cent decrease in paper used. In this session, the Lean project will be presented, along with details on how the new process can be scaled based on resources available. Considerations for change management will also be discussed, along with staff feedback, benefits, and next steps.

Location: ICTC Humber

AI / LLM programs are either lionized or vilified in education. What if the answer is neither? What if we use teacher-librarians and other school library professionals to accept both the flaws and fortunes of AI? Discover how to use AI tools for enhancing instead of avoiding learning and for critical thinking instead of indiscriminate accepting. Two teacher-librarians with extra experience in media literacy and civic education will lead some lessons on ways to use AI in the inquiry research project at all four stages. The latest school board policies on the use of AI will be shared, analyzed, and compared with the current Ontario Ministry of Education curricula.

Location: MTCC 206AB

As the Valuing Ontario Libraries Toolkit (VOLT) is used by more and more Ontario public libraries, its developers (NORDIK Institute) and support team (Ontario Library Service) want to share perspective and insight gained so far. We will highlight recent updates and notes for the future of VOLT, with emphasis on how libraries are using the toolkit, and how the materials work to strongly position your library in advocacy efforts. Join us to learn more about social return on investment (SROI) and how to make it work for your library all year round. If your library is looking for new ways to celebrate its impact in the community, and influence stakeholders or partners, this is a session not to miss!

Location: MTCC 201AB

In the evolving landscape of library services, success is not solely determined by advanced degrees but by the richness of individual skills, community fit, and workplace culture. This session will explore how libraries, particularly those in northern and rural Ontario, can leverage diverse talents and experiences to enhance their services. We'll break down misconceptions about formal qualifications versus practical skills, and highlight how non-traditional library professionals can significantly impact their communities. Join us for an engaging discussion with real-life examples and practical strategies that challenge the norms and showcase the power of varied expertise.

Location: ICTC Ballroom B

Check out our “menus” of the best 2024 Canadian books for kids and teens. We read all the books so you don’t have to! Come build your knowledge of Canadian books. And since we seek everything out, from publishers big and small, there are hidden gems for you to savour!

Location: MTCC 202

Libraries are changing in small and profound ways, and we are surrounded by changing communities with changing needs. One of the greatest challenges for leaders is leading teams through change. This workshop will provide an overview of good change management principles and provide tips on how to foster openness to change and confidently lead your team. The session will include case studies and interactive discussions.

Location: MTCC 206D

Teen behavior in public libraries has been challenging post-pandemic with a rise in youth-related incidents leading to more excluded teens. When traditional approaches to teen services weren’t helping address these challenges, Pickering Public Library reimagined its strategy. The Youth Specialist role was redesigned to require a social services background and relevant lived experience. Teen Town Halls were held with community partners to understand the root causes of behavioural challenges and explore new ways of engaging teens. One solution was a pilot program for excluded teens that incorporated volunteer work into the return-to-the-library process. With these new tactics, youth-related incidents were reduced by more than 50%. Additionally, staff noted better engagement with teens, increased attendance in programs, and a more active Teen Advisory Group. This new model is proving that when libraries invest in understanding and supporting our teens, the entire community benefits.

Location: MTCC 206F

Unlock new ways to engage teens in meaningful library programming. This session will explore how a multi-organizational partnership brought over 50 teens to a weekly library event, creating a space for them to connect, learn, and thrive. We’ll cover everything from building strong partnerships and aligning goals to effective promotion and sharing resources exploring the key elements that keep teens returning week after week. Discover how collaboration can amplify impact. Whether you're launching a new teen program or looking to enhance an existing one, this session will provide you with actionable insights and inspiration for driving success through collaboration.

Location: MTCC 201EF

This presentation outlines the ways librarians at the University of Regina have developed systematic cohort-based approaches to first- and early-years information literacy instruction. Rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach, these strategies reflect a wide and ever-changing array of instructional design, delivery methodologies, and outcomes. Appealing both to academic faculty and students, these approaches provide students with a robust start to their academic research practices. From an information literacy toolkit developed for teachers in the K-12 sector to prepare their students for postsecondary research; to graded first-year library assignments designed and delivered by librarians; to team-based library skills instruction embedded in a required first-year class; to developing online information literacy modules for use in programs delivered by other units on campus; these approaches to information literacy instruction are success stories that can be imported to attendees’ home libraries.

Location: MTCC 201D

Implementing Lean continuous improvement in libraries can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone! Join us for an engaging session that highlights the power of Lean Communities of Practice (CoP). We’ll explore inspiring success stories from Library-involved Lean Roundtables, showcasing how collaboration can break down silos and embed Lean practices across all processes. Discover practical strategies to sustain your Lean initiatives and learn how to foster a culture of continuous improvement within your institution. Together, we’ll tackle the barriers of institutional isolation, empowering you to connect with fellow practitioners both in-person and virtually. Don’t miss this opportunity to share insights, celebrate achievements, and leave with actionable tools to enhance your library’s Lean journey. Let’s build a vibrant community that drives lasting change in our organizations!

Location: ICTC Haliburton

In celebration of this year’s theme of “Building Bridges”, we propose sharing new storytelling tools and ideas to enhance engagement and foster a deeper curiosity with reading. Libraries excel at connecting tools like apps, technology, and other non-traditional resources with storytelling so children and families can discover new ways of reading and learning that are exciting and that help to build critical early literacy skills. Our presentation will demonstrate new ways of connecting children and families with storytelling through movement, music, and story building activities while blending in resources like Novel Effect, Magna Tiles and robotics into Story Time. We believe this combination of traditional story telling with innovative technology and out of the box activities is the perfect formula for modern day Story Times.

Location: MTCC 104CD

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are crucial for libraries seeking to optimize their data integration and improve operational efficiency. By enabling seamless communication between disparate systems, APIs streamline workflows and automate data sharing. This program teaches participants about the benefits of implementing an API-first architecture, using case studies to show how this modular approach to development can lead to low-code, rapid application development. Moreover, adopting an API-first architecture enables libraries to remain flexible and scalable, allowing them to integrate new tools and technologies as they arise. This adaptability not only future-proofs library systems but also fosters innovation, enabling libraries to respond quickly to changing user demands and technological advancements. By leveraging APIs, libraries can unlock their full potential and create a more cohesive, efficient, and responsive environment for users.

Location: ICTC Ballroom A

How can teacher-librarians and classroom educators work together to unlock the full potential of Strand A across Language/English, Math, Science and Technology, and Geography? We’ll focus on how to create meaningful, fun inquiry-based learning experiences that help students develop the transferable skills that sit at the heart of Strand A expectations. Participants will explore innovative strategies for integrating cross-curricular learning opportunities, maximizing the impact of library resources in elementary and secondary destreamed subjects. We will delve into the importance of co-creation, highlighting how collaborative planning can enhance the educational experience for educators and students alike. Participants will discover new and novel ways to partner with classroom educators, facilitating purposeful use of library services and resources. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with strategies to enhance the collaborative efforts needed to make teacher-librarians and school libraries critical partners in all subject areas.

Location: MTCC 203B

Open science policies and funding agency requirements have accelerated the transition to scholarly, peer-reviewed open access (OA) publications in many countries. Although academic libraries have been instrumental in the growth of OA publications, there may be a gap between being freely available and discoverable. Libraries have invested heavily in the discovery, authentication, and access infrastructure for paywalled content they subscribe to. What can they do to improve the discoverability of OA publications for their communities? Join us to learn how seven Dutch academic libraries integrate OA publications into user workflows and their users’ experiences in discovering OA publications. This research can provide libraries insights and strategies on ways toward selecting and adding OA publications to library collections; increasing OA awareness, knowledge, and engagement; improving metadata to support OA discovery; and measuring the effects of library efforts. Learn about library staff efforts that successfully supported user needs and opportunities for further work.

Location: MTCC 203CD

This session aims to empower academic librarians to harness digital tools to build bridges to often overlooked, yet important, historical narratives. The purpose is to guide attendees through the process of using the Gale Digital Scholar Lab to uncover hidden histories in Gender, Queer, and Indigenous Studies. Participants will learn how to apply digital scholarship tools in their own library systems to support faculty and enhance curriculum development. The session will demonstrate practical applications and collaborative strategies for integrating digital humanities into higher education libraries.

Location: ICTC Halton

With the growth in the number and public nature of challenges facing libraries in our increasingly polarized time, it is vital that we do more to talk with the public about the importance of intellectual freedom in a genuinely democratic society. In this session, three leaders of public libraries in Canada will share their experiences and ideas of what can be done to move beyond discussions with staff and library boards about intellectual freedom to effective engagement on the issue with the whole of our communities.

Location: MTCC 206CE

Drawing on insights from CULC’s member libraries, CULC’s Safety and Security Toolkit provides practical strategies to help public libraries large and small more effectively manage and respond to safety and security incidents.

9:15am - 10:30am - Part 1: In the first half of this session, members of CULC’s Safety & Security team will provide an overview and update of the toolkit since the launch in February 2024 and invite participants to share their experience with toolkit use and suggestions for further developing this resource. 

10:45am - 12:00pm - Part 2: The second half of the session will invite participants to engage in interactive, small group, discussions to learn, share, and network around real life examples related to topics of safety and security in libraries. 

Participants are encouraged to come prepared to share their own strategies and experiences in managing safety and security within their libraries, as well as feedback and ideas on how to further build out the content of the toolkit to ensure it remains a "living document" that is relevant to public libraries across the country.

Location: MTCC 104A

Time to update your LinkedIn profile? Join us at the Career Centre (on the Expo floor this year!) to have your professional headshot taken. Light retouching will be done by photographers. BYO lipgloss and hair brush. No appointment necessary, but this only happens on Thursday January 30th and there are a limited number of spots.  Photographers will be onsite from 9:30am - 5:00pm. Donations to the I Read Canadian fund are welcome.

Jenny Kay Dupuis is signing copies of Heart Berry Bling in the Portage & Main Press/HighWater Press Booth #441 on Thursday at 9:30 AM.

A touching story about perseverance, family, and the tradition of beading from the bestselling co-author of I Am Not a Number.

Children’s Book

Andrea Blinick is signing copies of The Light from My Menorah in the Pajama Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 9:40 AM.

The light from a menorah takes a young boy on a journey around the world, introducing him to other cultural and religious holidays that celebrate light. He visits space, a desert, mountains, and more, seeing different people, food, and their own unique celebrations before returning home.

Picture Book

Rosena Fung is signing copies of Age 16 in the Annick Press Booth #320 on Thursday at 9:45 AM.

A NYPL Best Book of 2024 from the award-winning creator of Living with Viola! Set in 1954 Guangdong, 1972 Hong Kong, and 2000 Toronto, this powerful coming-of-age graphic novel details how mothers and daughters pass down – and rebel against – standards of size, gender, race, beauty, and worth.

Young Adult Book

Shalini Abeysekara is signing copies of This Monster of Mine in the Canadian Manda Group Booth #215/217 on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

A dazzling Ancient Rome-inspired romantasy debut, This Monster of Mine is a bloodbath of manipulation, deception, and forbidden love.

Adult Book

Kath Jonathan is signing copies of The Resistance Painter in the Simon & Schuster Canada Booth #605/607 on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

An evocative work of historical fiction, examining the little-known story of Poland’s extraordinary WWII resistance army and the contemporary lives of two artists, grandmother and granddaughter, inextricably linked by a wartime betrayal.

Adult Book

Alina Khawaja is signing copies of Writing Mr. Right in the HarperCollins Canada Booth #728/730/732 on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

The Dead Romantics meets Book Lovers in this charming rom-com about struggling writer Ziya, who’s about to give up on her dream of publishing until she wakes up one morning to find a physical manifestation of her writing muse in her apartment.

Adult Book

Theresa Meikle is signing copies of Assessment in Action in the Pembroke Publishers OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

This book provides an active and engaging approach to student-centered teaching and learning. Instruction and assessment are woven together seamlessly to inform planning and motivate learning.

Adult Book

Ella Russell is signing copies of Hugs Are (Not) for Everybody in the Owlkids Books OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

An upbeat ode to setting and respecting personal boundaries, new from the creators of Pink is for Everybody.

Picture Book, Children’s Book

Lorna Schultz Nicholson is signing copies of Stopping the Shots in the Scholastic Canada Booth #211/213 on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

Is there room in a family for two hockey stars? In this companion book to Taking the Ice, goalie Mike Krieger (aka Tree) takes centre stage. Although Mike is known to be calm and collected, his home life is more difficult than it seems.

Middle Grade Book

Emma Theriault is signing copies of A Lady Would Know Better in the Raincoast Books Booth #418/420 on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

Get ready to swoon for this dreamy, forget-me-not romance that’s filled with the delightful tartness of Jane Austen and the sweeping, unputdownable drama of Bridgerton. But while a lady should know better, the heart heeds no rules even if its every beat portends the danger she was running from.

Adult Book

Shari Lapena is signing copies of What Have You Done? in the Penguin Random House Canada Booth #718/720/722/724 on Thursday at 10:00 AM.

THE INSTANT #1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER. Another knockout domestic suspense novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Couple Next Door. Nothing ever happens in sleepy little Fairhill, Vermont, but this morning all of that will change

Adult Book

In this session, Regional Sales Manager David Hayden will give a glimpse into recent product launches from OUP including the Oxford Scholarship Online Archive and Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Food Studies, as well as a look ahead to Oxford Intersections, which will launch later in 2025. With Oxford Intersections, each work will investigate an urgent and challenging societal issue from an interdisciplinary, multi-faceted perspective.

On stage at the IdeaHUB Stage at the Super EXPO.

Louise Ells is signing copies of Lies I Told My Sister in the Latitude 46 Publishing OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 10:20 AM.

Lies I Told My Sister is an exploration of how our community of loved ones can both buoy us up or tear us down. How innocently kept secrets can cause profound chasms.

Adult Book

Barbara Tran is signing copies of Precedented Parroting in the Palimpsest Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 10:20 AM.

Opening with an exit, the poems in Precedented Parroting accept no assumptions. With the determination and curiosity of a problem-solving crow, this expansive debut plumbs personal archives and traverses the natural world, endeavouring to shake the tight cage of stereotypes, Asian and avian.

Adult Book

Sheila James is signing copies of Outcaste in the Goose Lane Editions Booth #531/533 on Thursday at 10:30 AM.

A brilliant, complex novel spanning 50 years, four generations, and two continents, Sheila James’s Outcaste revisits a complex period in India’s history while imbuing ordinary lives with extraordinarily dramatic dimensions.

Adult Book

Mikaela Lucido is signing copies of Danica dela Torre, Certified Sleuth in the Annick Press Booth #320 on Thursday at 10:30 AM.

Danica and her partner Jack are Renley Crow’s best kid detectives. New to town, Kennedy Fang enlists their help to figure out what’s going on with his house, which he’s sure is haunted. Danica knows she can’t turn down this case, even if it means uncovering scary truths about the world–and herself.

Middle Grade Book

Leslie Shimotakahara is signing copies of Sisters of the Spruce in the Literary Press Group Booth #417 on Thursday at 10:30 AM.

Prize-winning writer Leslie Shimotakahara’s new novel is an enthralling story of female adventure, friendship, and resilience, set against the majestic landscape of a WWI-era logging camp on Haida Gwaii.

Young Adult Book, Adult Book

Kim Tait is signing copies of Minerals and Rocks: A Beginner’s Guide in the Firefly Books Booth #319/321 on Thursday at 10:30 AM.

Discover the fascinating world under your feet in Minerals and Rocks. Written by a top mineralogist, this essential guidebook for young readers introduces key geological and scientific concepts and delves into the main features of minerals and rocks.

Children’s Book, Middle Grade Book

The Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) invites you to join them for a lively session as some of today’s best children’s authors talk up their brand new creations.

On stage at the IdeaHUB Stage at the Super EXPO.

Eric Walters is signing copies of Good Boy Timmy in the Cormorant Books | DCB Young Readers OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 10:40 AM.

Brought to life through Eugenie Fernandes’ playful illustrations and Eric Walters’ rhythmic storytelling, Timmy is a good dog who dreams about acting out and making a mess. But at the end of the day, his love for his family helps him realize that it’s good to be good.

Picture Book

Phoebe Wang is signing copies of Relative to Wind in the Assembly Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 10:40 AM.

A lingering, long-haul collection of writing about sailing for readers of Julietta Singh and Kyo Maclear.

Adult Book

When Elon Musk purchased what was then called Twitter in 2022, the idea of a billionaire buying up an infuential online platform was significant itself. But the move that eventually turned Twitter into X also had a wider symbolic resonance. From the vantage point of 2025, it augured a shift in both social media and the landscape of information. 
If X is now filled with significantly more conspiracy theories, so-called “AI slop,” and outright bigotry, so too is the internet at large. The re-election of Donald Trump also makes it clear that we live in competing realities that are incommensurate and often in competition.
What this means for the organization of information and notions of truth are difficult enough questions on their own. But if online spaces were and area also arenas for finding and creating community, how does one do so amidst this changed informational landscape? How does one produce a community of scholars, librarians, or business leaders when social media has become balkanized? In this talk, Navneet Alang explores the possibility of produce personal and professional community in an online world that now seems irrevocably changed.

Location: MTCC 206D

Prospect research is a field within the philanthropic sector that relies on highly skilled information professionals. This is a growing, exciting pathway for librarians looking to develop their careers in the non-profit, charitable, or higher education sectors. In this session, two seasoned prospect development professionals and librarians will guide you through this exciting field and provide helpful insight that will ensure success in the field.

Location: ICTC Halton

How do we provide reliable climate resources for children, without prompting anxiety or despair? In this interactive session, we’ll examine fiction and non-fiction titles that combine facts and information with hope and engagement. We’ll look at children’s resources for a variety of age groups, with an eye for these vital ingredients: individual and community-based ideas for how kids can make a difference; Indigenous knowledge about land stewardship and leadership; current activism and scientific research; and a resilient kind of hope. Screening and sorting resources in this area can be intimidating. But focusing on the themes of optimism and agency can do more than encourage young readers to become active and informed citizens. It can also inspire us — as librarians, teachers, parents, and book creators — to see new possibilities for ourselves.

Location: ICTC 201EF

Seed libraries help communities increase biodiversity, promote sustainable food systems, increase pollination services, and provide community engagement and educational opportunities. This session will discuss the many community benefits of starting your own seed library, and how to get your community involved. This “how-to” session will cover everything from the ground up – including gathering seed donations, promoting your collections, partnering with community groups, and providing educational opportunities to your patrons. From partnering with local community groups to fostering a culture of sustainable gardening, a seed library helps a community grow.

Location: MTCC 206F

Four years ago, Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber Library established the Community Outreach and Building Fund. Biannually, this equity driven initiative partners with a student department, leveraging their lived experience and unique expertise, to purchase books that reflect the diversity of our student body. Together, we choose a local specialty bookstore, and collaboratively purchase books to add to the library collection. The Community Outreach and Building Fund supports Humber’s new EDIB (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Action Plan, “Building Connections,” aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. Learn how the library intentionally weaves EDIB practices into collection building, advancing areas of action such as “Equitable Student Success”, and “Community Engagement and Collective Action,’ and how we work with the Humber and local community to build a well-used collection that reflects a broader spectrum of identities, perspectives, and histories. 

Location: MTCC 104B

Culinary literacy is the ultimate synthesizing literacy. Culinary activities require reading, numeracy and mathematical competency, fine and gross motor skills, and cultural awareness. The kitchen and the table offer a multitude of opportunities to engage your community across different ages, family structures, diverse backgrounds, and skill levels. And while it’s nice to have an actual kitchen to program out of, it is possible to use the scaffolding of culinary literacy to connect people and build community in any library anywhere.

Location: MTCC 203CD

The Collingwood and Blue Mountains public libraries, together with their municipalities, embarked on a feasibility study for recreation and library spaces. This session will explore the unique library-municipality relationship and the impact of partnering with a neighbouring town to take a collaborative, cost-effective approach to the evaluation of facilities and services. We will discuss the political landscape of a joint study, respecting multiple Councils and Boards as stakeholders, the joys and challenges of a collaborative approach, and hear the perspectives of recreation and library representatives.

Location: MTCC 203B

The outdated perception of Access Services staff in academic libraries as the people who do the primary tasks of signing out books and keeping the buildings open can be hard to change. In an era of increasing budget constraints, communicating and emphasizing the impact that Access Services has on the teaching, learning, and research of the institution is important. Workforce planning is an opportunity to advocate for Access Services by making connections, addressing challenges, and adapting to new demands. In this session we’ll talk about our experience with workforce planning and what we learned about bridging the gap between our front-line services and senior leadership.

Location: ICTC Haliburton

Please note that this session has been withdrawn at the request of the presenter.

The explosive growth of evidence synthesis research projects – including systematic reviews and scoping reviews - has prompted many institutions to rethink their services and staffing models. This is a challenge for institutions without medical schools which often lack trained librarians and resources dedicated to this service and which are seeing increased demand from disciplines outside health sciences. This presentation will highlight approaches used by two medium-sized universities - one with liaison librarians, another with functional teams - to assess needs and develop sustainable models for supporting evidence synthesis research across diverse non-clinical disciplines. We will also share results from our recent research survey documenting experiences and service models at other generalist institutions in Canada. The session will include interactive opportunities for participants to share their own experiences with evidence synthesis support structures and to discuss how they might apply findings from the survey to their own institutional processes.

Whenever we face significant change, most of us panic. It’s true. We feel control and certainty slip away. We fret about the additional workload. We foster concerns about our competence. We fabricate likely catastrophes. Make no mistake – change can be unsettling. But what if we could cultivate habits that help us re-establish our agency, foster resilience, and learn through these important transitions? Drawing parallels from the stories of real-world inventors, this session explores how thinking like an inventor can help us navigate change and build more adaptive library organizations. Discover how strategies like stoking curiosity, harnessing creativity, and collaborating widely will give you the confidence and courage to thrive in your changing context. Inventive leadership is the breakthrough perspective you need.

Location: MTCC 104CD

Explore the successes and challenges of stewarding a collective collection through two research lenses: a data-informed perspective on shared print initiatives’ impacts and a community-based perspective on the tools, data, and workflows supporting monographic shared print collections. This presentation shares a data analysis of the current shared print retention state, and key tools, data, and workflows used in shared print initiatives. Examining monographic print retention holdings in libraries across the United States and Canada supports future collection development decision-making. Library staff and administrators identified perceived advantages of participating in shared print programs and gaps in tools, data, and workflows that can inform future shared print initiatives. Learn how shared print workflows, data, and tools support collection evaluation, coordinated collection stewardship, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) goals. The presentation will explore the essential workflows that underpin shared print programs and the data and tools necessary to manage these workflows effectively.

Location: MTCC 203A

What can you learn from your users by asking only one or two questions? The Engagement and Learning unit at UVic Libraries sought to find out by using a two-question survey repeatedly with different groups. Our approach offered students a low-stakes method of providing feedback. In the process, we found an accessible, sustainable way to collect qualitative user data, which can be especially useful for those who are not assessment specialists. Though we work in an academic library, this approach can be replicated in almost any type of library. Our first year of surveying yielded a rich dataset that has allowed us to further collaborate with library colleagues and generated opportunities to connect with other academic and administrative partners at the university. Our session will share our process and outcomes to date. We will use Liberating Structures to facilitate discussion and reflection in this session.

Location: MTCC 202

Onboarding is far more than just signing paperwork, reading library policies, and learning day-to-day duties. In an ever-changing library landscape, organizations need to provide new employees with the tools that will allow them to adapt to their roles quickly and effectively. Calgary Public Library created a Project Team to assess their current onboarding practices, connecting with key stakeholders (managers, supervisors, IT, HR) to create a streamlined process for onboarding new staff. This helps ensure that all new employees receive cohesive and consistent training and fosters an understanding of library culture and their organization’s mission and values. We will share our process and the benefits resulting from this project, as well as some specific tools and tips that other organizations can use to enhance their own onboarding processes.

Location: MTCC 206CE

Building strong connections to the global library field is becoming increasingly important, both to the future of libraries and to the profession. Join us to gain a clear understanding of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA)’s core mission and where it sees the profession going in the coming years, as outlined in the recently released IFLA Trend Report. Learn about three specific areas where Canadian and American library workers are coming together, both across borders and sectors, to contribute in significant ways to IFLA’s work: building the Library Map of the World, supporting Sustainable Development Goals, and supporting the work of the Reimagining Terminology Working Group to promote the use of appropriate and accurate terminology.

Location: MTCC 201D

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to demonstrate how to collect actionable data to boost member engagement and retention. This session will focus on effective data practices for collecting and analyzing data to understand your members' needs better, strengthen relationships, and enhance program and service delivery. The workshop is suitable for libraries of all sizes. It will provide participants at all levels with the tools and resources needed to bridge the gap from beginner to advanced analysis. Participants will gain valuable insights into your library members and discover how to build stronger, more connected communities.

Location: MTCC 206AB

It’s an exciting time at LAC! Join Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, and her colleagues to learn more about exciting initiatives such as the landmark Ādisōke facility that will open next year in the heart of Ottawa, our innovative work with artificial intelligence, and everything else we’re doing to improve access to our collections.

Location: MTCC 201AB

This session is sponsored by the Maggie Weaver Legacy Fund and LLEAD Institute 

In May 2015, a radio consultant referred to women as the “tomatoes” of the otherwise all-male country music salad when he advocated a practice of limiting their songs on country radio playlists. This statement sparked immediate debate in the country music industry and planted the seed of an idea to study representation in the country music industry in the mind of musicologist Dr. Jada Watson. Drawing on skills developed in her Master of Information Studies degree, Watson embarked on a journey to investigate this so-called “tomato theory” that has led her to study radio programming, popularity charts, algorithmic recommender systems, award eligibility criteria and the cyclic relationship that emerges between of these systems. Through her public-facing research program SongData, Watson centers her work on addressing systemic inequity and working with industry partners to advocate for meaningful change in the US and Canadian industries. In this talk, Watson will bring us on a journey from MIS to SongData and share how she uses her information degree to hold the industry accountable.

Location: ICTC Ballroom A

Drawing on insights from CULC’s member libraries, CULC’s Safety and Security Toolkit provides practical strategies to help public libraries large and small more effectively manage and respond to safety and security incidents.

9:15am - 10:30am - Part 1: In the first half of this session, members of CULC’s Safety & Security team will provide an overview and update of the toolkit since the launch in February 2024 and invite participants to share their experience with toolkit use and suggestions for further developing this resource. 

10:45am - 12:00pm - Part 2: The second half of the session will invite participants to engage in interactive, small group, discussions to learn, share, and network around real life examples related to topics of safety and security in libraries. 

Participants are encouraged to come prepared to share their own strategies and experiences in managing safety and security within their libraries, as well as feedback and ideas on how to further build out the content of the toolkit to ensure it remains a "living document" that is relevant to public libraries across the country.

Location: MTCC 104A

This session will combine the work of two library systems in Southern Ontario as they embark on their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journeys. 

Oakville Public Library will share their journey of starting an ERG, highlighting the rewards, challenges of limited resources, member capacity, and organizational buy-in. Considering these hurdles, ERGs are essential for driving Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) initiatives from within. Attendees will gain practical insights into overcoming barriers, fostering engagement, and building a culture of inclusivity, no matter the library’s size. Learn why ERGs are a vital tool for creating meaningful change and how even small efforts can have a big impact.

Brampton Library’s presenters will provide a forward-looking exploration of the future of IDEA in libraries, blending high-level strategies with practical, grassroots advocacy efforts driven by Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). The presentation will begin by focusing on Brampton Library's ERGs and will provide a behind-the-scenes look at their evolution, sharing practical examples of how they've successfully championed IDEA initiatives from within. Through these examples, attendees will learn how ERGs can foster a culture of inclusivity, engage employees, and address equity issues in nuanced, impactful ways.  The presentation will end by examining the successes and challenges that libraries across Canada have faced in their IDEA journeys. Attendees will gain insights into best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for fostering truly inclusive environments, with a specific focus on cross-cultural management.

Location: ICTC Haliburton

Enhance the value in children’s & youth services through confident decision-making! In this workshop you will gain experience in creating solutions for our largest audience, and take away tips, tricks and tools that help to inform meaningful children’s & youth programming and services. We welcome you to bring your own challenges and successes to share and problem solve with the group. 

This session was originally titled the "Child and Youth Expo." 

Location: ICTC Ballrom B

Jane Blondie is signing copies of Do Not Turn the Page! in the Scholastic Canada Booth #211/213 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Charlie does NOT want to take a bath! In this hilarious story, readers get to take control. As each page turns, our hero, Charlie, moves all the way from his muddy backyard into his house and closer to the bathtub – protesting every step of the way!

Picture Book

Catherine Bush is signing copies of Blaze Island in the Nimbus Publishing Booth #531/533 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Blaze Island is a climate-themed, Shakespeare-inspired novel from bestselling author Catherine Bush. A Globe and Mail Top 100 Selection, Writers’ Trust of Canada Best Book of the Year, and one of Maclean’s “20 books you need to read this winter.”

Adult Book

Kristen Ciccarelli is signing copies of Heartless Hunter in the Raincoast Books Booth #418/420 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Heartless Hunter is set in a world where witches once ruled, were overthrown, and are now hunted down and purged. It followed Runes Winters, a witch hiding in plain sight, who secretly rescues other witches from the purge, and Gideon Sharpe, the witch hunter who’s on to her.

Young Adult Book

Laurel Croza is signing copies of Rock in the Groundwood Books OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

A rock encounters a bullying seagull on the beach in this ode to staying true to oneself from award-winning creators Laurel Croza and Matt James.

Picture Book

Sarabeth Holden is signing copies of Sea Snooze in the Inhabit Media Booth #216 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Full speed ahead as two siblings sail off for dreamland! Before these two can settle down under the covers, they cruise off onto the Arctic Ocean to bid goodnight to narwhals and guillemots, minkes, and belugas.

Picture Book, Children’s Book

Matt James is signing copies of Rock in the Groundwood Books OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

A rock encounters a bullying seagull on the beach in this ode to staying true to oneself from award-winning creators Laurel Croza and Matt James.

Picture Book

Kathy Kacer is signing copies of Two Pieces of Chocolate in the Second Story Booth #423 on Thursday at 11:00 am.

In 1945, Francine and her maman are sent to the Bergen-Belsen Nazi prison camp. Life is gray and hopeless, but Maman has two secret pieces of chocolate that give them both hope. When Francine meets Hélène, a fellow prisoner who must hide her pregnancy, Francine realizes she may be able to help.

Middle Grade Book

Adrienne Kress is signing copies of Ghost Circus in the Canadian Manda Group Booth #215/217 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

For fans of Kelly Barnhill and Sheets, here is a middle-grade graphic novel tale of mystery, supernatural action, and friendships that cross the line between life and death.

Lydia Lukidis is signing copies of Up, Up High in the Capstone Booth #812 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Lydia Lukidis, Canadian author of the Forest of Reading® Finalist title Deep, Deep Down, will be at OLA signing her new book Up, Up High, which takes readers on an imagined journey to discover the surprising and wonderous things flying, floating, and happening between the treetops and the stars.

Picture Book

Joelle Peters is signing copies of Niizh in the Playwrights Canada Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Niizh is a heartwarming Indigenous rom-com filled with small-town humour and dream-world interludes, capturing the bittersweet moments of rural upbringing and the journey into love and independence.

Adult Book

Farida Zaman is signing copies of Meena Can’t Wait in the Orca Book Publishers Booth #410/412 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Today Meena and her nanu are having a tea party with a special Bengali tea called doodh cha, and even though Meena is impatient, she learns that it’s worth the wait to make the special tea together.

Picture Book

Rebecca Fisseha is signing copies of Only Because It’s You in the Penguin Random House Canada Booth #718/720/722/724 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

“Full of humour and heartwarming moments–Rebecca delivers pure joy!” – Chantel Guertin. Sometimes you need to take a leap of faith to land exactly where you’re meant to be Rom-com readers will not be able to get enough of the will-they-or-won’t-they chemistry between Miz and Kal!

Adult Book

Liselle Sambury is signing copies of A Mastery of Monsters in the Simon & Schuster Canada Booth #605/607 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

Ninth House meets Legendborn in this thrilling first book in a dark academia fantasy series about a teen who’s willing to do anything to find her brother – even infiltrate a secret society full of monsters.

Young Adult Book

Jade Zhang is signing copies of Ghost Circus in the Canadian Manda Group Booth #215/217 on Thursday at 11:00 AM.

For fans of Kelly Barnhill and Sheets, here is a middle-grade graphic novel tale of mystery, supernatural action, and friendships that cross the line between life and death.

Middle Grade Book

Margaret Nowaczyk is signing copies of Marrow Memory: Essays of Discovery in the Wolsak & Wynn Publishers OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 11:20 AM.

In this collection of beautifully crafted essays, Margaret Nowaczyk explores many different facets of her life – from listening to the radio dramas of her childhood in Communist Poland to searching for her ancestors to her work as a pediatric clinical geneticist.

Adult Book

Rosemary Sadlier is signing copies of The Kids Book of Black History in Canada in the Kids Can Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 11:20 AM.

An important and comprehensive exploration of 400 years of Black history in Canada.

Middle Grade Book

Curtis Campbell is signing copies of Dragging Mason County in the Annick Press Booth #320 on Thursday at 11:30 AM.

A hilarious debut that examines the realities of small-town queer life and celebrates the transformative power of drag. After a run-in with one of the few other queer kids in his small-town high school, Peter needs an image overhaul and opts to help his best friend put on the area’s first drag show.

Young Adult Book

Joanne Levy is signing copies of Bird Brain in the Orca Book Publishers Booth #410/412 on Thursday at 11:30 AM.

Even though Arden always wanted a pet, taking care of her uncle’s parrot, Ludwig, was NOT what she had in mind. But as Arden gets to know Ludwig, she realizes he is not only incredibly smart but loyal – and the best pet she could have asked for.

Middle Grade Book

Keltie Thomas is signing copies of Stitching Science: Exploring Science From A-Z in the Firefly Books Booth #319/321 on Thursday at 11:30 AM.

Scientific topics ranging from Atom to Zenith come to life at the end of Lauren’s skilled needle, and lively and informative text by Keltie Thomas explains key concepts and delivers fun facts for each subject. Explore topics in physics, biology, chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, and more.

Young Adult Book

Lauren Wright Vartanian is signing copies of Stitching Science: Exploring Science From A-Z in the Firefly Books Booth #319/321 on Thursday at 11:30 AM.

Meticulous textile artworks are sure to enchant readers of all ages, and the art has been expertly scanned to best show the painstaking detail and skill applied to each panel. A charming and informative introduction to a wide variety of scientific concepts. a great addition to any STEAM program.

Young Adult Book

Libraries serve as important community hubs for financial literacy. This presentation will showcase free bilingual educational supports from the Bank of Canada Museum. You'll be provided with resources to foster important conversations on personal finances, economic decision-making, fraud awareness and an introduction to the Canadian financial system for newcomers. The activities, quizzes and infographics are meant for patrons of all ages and are great tools for a library campaign to celebrate Financial Literacy Month in November.

On stage at the IdeaHUB Stage at the Super EXPO.

Emily De Angelis is signing copies of The Stones of Burren Bay in the Latitude 46 Publishing OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 11:40 AM.

15-year-old Norie comes to terms with her father’s betrayal and death and rediscovers her passion for art. As her mother’s emotional wounds reach a crisis, Norie realizes they must face their guilt and grief together in order to heal and become reunited as mother and daughter.

Young Adult Book

Joel A. Sutherland is signing copies of Haunted Canada Graphic Novel, Volume 1: Four Terrifying Tales in the Library Bound Booth #311/313 on Thursday at 11:45 AM.

For over 20 years, kids across Canada have delighted in the spooky stories of the Haunted Canada series! And now, for the first time, four of these tales from award-winning author Joel A. Sutherland have been adapted into chilling graphic novellas and brought together in one terrifying volume.

Middle Grade Book

Digital special collections can serve as powerful tools to "enrich, capture, store and disseminate" community conversations (R.D. Lankes). However, partnerships with communities raise complex legal, ethical, technical and professional questions that can easily frustrate even the best intentions. The University of Toronto Scarborough Library's Digital Scholarship Unit partners with diverse internal and community groups to create unique digital collections using the openly-licensed U of T Scarborough Partnership & Engagement Framework. Our poster provides practical tools for co-creating digital objects in common-shareable formats, examples from our experience, and guidance about using frameworks like U of T Scarborough's to support mutually beneficial, non-extractive collections development.

Please note that this poster has been withdrawn by the presenter.

Newspaper is regarded as primary sources of information for research purposes. Therefore, University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)- Institute of Journalism (IJ) library does press cutting on relevant topics on sustainable development goals (SDGs) as one of its thematic areas to increased access to information and augment literature on the goals. Press cutting serves as directory to facilitate retrieval and discovery of scholarly works. The press cutting was previously manual and limited to a stand-alone computer that made to impossible to be simultaneously accessed and display indexed entries real time. Remote access was not possible also. Presently the library uses Google sheets as a simple technology to showcase the thematic topics. Entries are made and managed with excel where concurrent entries are displayed simultaneously on the library website. It indexes from national newspapers such as the Daily Graphic, the Ghanaian Times, the Mirror, Daily Guide and Spectator of Ghana dating from January 2018.

Makerspaces are popular services in public libraries. However, what is a rural library, with small branches and no room to renovate, to do when it comes to providing maker equipment to its patrons? Lend the tools for patrons to take home, of course! Learn how Region of Waterloo Library built a collection of maker equipment, and other non-traditional items, and made it accessible for all patrons to use at home. Visit this poster presentation to learn practical tips on how to create, execute, and maintain a makerspace for use beyond the library walls.

Libraries can become more welcoming places for all when they reflect, understand, and connect with their communities of users. Though recruiting a more diverse student body into the profession of librarianship is seen as one way to build these bridges, efforts to do so are not always successful. It is therefore encouraging that the student body of the undergraduate library internship course at the University of Saskatchewan has become more diverse since the course was first offered 2017, as many who register are exploring librarianship as a potential career path. Learn what factors might be influencing participation and consider how academic librarians’ connections with undergraduates could encourage greater inclusion of underrepresented backgrounds (e.g. minoritized groups, STEM disciplines) in librarianship. Ideally these efforts will help position libraries to connect with more diverse communities in informed and meaningful ways.

Our poster will explore the collaboration between two academic library departments—Access Services and Research Support Services—as they strive to make evidence-based decisions and better understand the types of questions received at their respective service points. The poster will provide an overview of each department, discuss the intersecting services as well as discuss how the following information is collected and for what purpose. The data includes: 1. Scholars Portal virtual chat data 2. LibInsight Research Help Desk data 3. Shared mailboxes: o AskTheLibrary email data o LibraryServices Jira Tickets The presentation will also highlight ways in which decisions were made to better serve our students and ensure a balanced workload for staff. Finally, we will focus on how to move forward with this information and determine actionable next steps.

In 2020, University of Toronto Libraries with help from the Archives of Ontario, sought to web archive the impact and experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario. The collection contains over two thousand websites and 2.3 terabytes of data. The scale of the collection posed significant challenges for writing descriptive metadata, namely human resource constraints. We used Microsoft Copilot and Python to mine and extract data from our web archive collections to create “first draft” metadata. This poster presentation will explore the process and hurdles experienced leveraging generative AI effectively in metadata projects, including the limitations of platforms and strategies for prompt engineering.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral part of the archival field, offering new and different ways to manage, preserve, and provide access to historical documents. In Ontario, the crossroads of AI and archives is being explored through various initiatives and frameworks aimed at employing the potential of AI while ensuring ethical use and trustworthiness.

Many libraries have FAQs in some form, whether that’s a web page, a LibGuide, or a knowledgebase. The fact is, users have questions about library services and resources, and we have the answers! FAQs can serve as an excellent tool for asynchronous reference, forging connections to other services within the broader reference ecosystem in academic libraries. But how can we ensure FAQs are held to the same standards as conventional forms of reference? At Queen’s University Library, we recently conducted an overhaul of our FAQ. As part of this project, we wanted to ensure that our FAQ answers met the same standards that we would apply to other typical forms of reference (chat, in-person, email, etc.). To get a better understanding of our goals, we conducted a literature review to determine how other academic libraries were treating FAQs. While there is a fair amount written about best practices and continuous improvement – focusing on either the initial implementation or user experience – FAQs tend to be siloed from other forms of virtual reference, such as chat and email, and are not explicitly held to the same professional standards. To bridge this gap, we mapped RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers (2023) to our new FAQ knowledgebase, including methods to incorporate each standard of inclusion, approachability, engagement, searching, evaluation, and closure into FAQs. Whether you’re curious to learn how you can improve an existing knowledgebase, start fresh, or a mix of the two, stop by this poster and learn more about applying these practices to your own FAQs!

In 2023, Una Marson Library opened to the public for the first time in London, UK. It made national headlines for a number of reasons: as well as reversing a trend in a country where 2 out of every 5 public libraries has closed permanently in the past 10 years, Una Marson Library is the first public library in the UK to be named after a Black woman, and debatably, the first public library to be named after a woman at all. After a year of managing daily operations, Isadore will present a dynamic poster that will share lessons learnt about what is means to try and honour the legacy of a figure like Una Marson; practical tips on dealing with liability periods and snagging; how to welcome a community to a new space; and how to balance opposing interests in an area of rapid gentrification.

This poster presentation will focus on our Teen Gallery Wall. The “living mosaic” consists of small canvas tiles created by our teens and displayed in our Youth Hub. The goal is to foster a sense of community, belonging, ownership, and self expression within the teens in the space. Teens make their tiles during “community art project” programs held each semester and new tiles are added to the gallery, meaning the mosaic is ever growing and changing along with our group of teens. During our presentation, we will cover how to create a teen gallery wall in the library including supplies, costs, and programming. We will also discuss the rationale and outcomes for the gallery, such as spawning a partnership with the local high school for an annual teen art exhibition.

Learning Commons are growing spaces that need interactive and creative ways to promote their resources. High school students face a great challenge. They live in a world where there is more information than they can handle it. Information professionals have the responsibility to assist them in finding accurate information to achieve their academic goals and pursue personal interests. Marketing our resources from an inclusive perspective has been one of our approaches at Loyola Catholic Secondary School. Using media, physical space, print materials and personal communication are strategies utilized to pursue this goal. In this poster, you will find ideas to promote information resources in high school environments. Breaking walls and building bridges has been the philosophy at Loyola Catholic Secondary School for a long time and as a result we are proud to have developed an amazing community of actively engaged students at Loyola's Library Learning Commons.

In recent times, ‘undervalued and underutilized’ has become a refrain for many health science librarians and their skill sets. At this Ontario knowledge translation organization, a team of health science librarians are embedded in knowledge translation work and act as a cornerstone in the bridge between evidence and practice for Ontario’s primary care sector. Team members utilize their professional expertise at the forefront of knowledge translation and in the creation of practical and educational clinical tools for primary care. This poster will address the ways in which librarians have excelled in both supportive and leadership roles in an Ontario-based knowledge translation organization as highly valued and utilized members of embedded teams.

Get to know fellow conference attendees while learning a new craft in this no-stress fabric bookmark making drop-in, taking place over the lunch break! Let's be honest, networking can sometimes be awkward, but it doesn't have to be. Lyndsey and Mandy are two library assistants who connected through their shared love of threadwork years before they both worked for Western University. They know from personal experience how much easier it is to talk to new people when you are stitching. Come and eat your lunch, make an embroidered bookmark, and some new friends!  No sewing experience or extra materials needed, they will bring everything you need and will teach you what you need to know. All are welcome.

Location: ICTC Ballroom A

Effective visual communication means understanding the mechanics of how the eye really works. Get tips that can make your graphics and display efforts work even harder to get noticed. These are ideas that you are probably totally unaware of.  Regardless of the size of your library, you'll come away from this poster session with insights and affordable, straight-forward ideas that are easy to implement.

This poster was formerly titled Better Point of Purchase and Display Marketing for Libraries.

Solange Burrell is signing copies of Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace in the Publishers Group Canada Booth #416 on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

Yeseni and the Daughter of Peace, is a powerful historical fantasy about Elewa, a young woman in eighteenth-century West Africa.

Young Adult Book

Dana L. Church is signing copies of Animal Minds in the Orca Book Publishers Booth #410/412 on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

Wouldn’t it be amazing to see inside the mind of a lion, octopus, or bee? Animal Minds explores how scientists are doing just that. Their research shows that a variety of species have unique personalities, impressive memories, the ability to count, and incredible problem-solving skills.

Middle Grade Book

Paul Coccia is signing copies of Recommended Reading in the Canadian Manda Group Booth #215/217 on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

In this opposites-attract YA rom-com, a failed romantic gesture puts a damper on a queer teen bookseller’s summer of book matching and matchmaking until a handsome lifeguard and romance skeptic waltzes into his bookstore. Sometimes you get a second chance at happily ever after when you least expect.

Young Adult Book

Stephanie Cooke is signing copies of Prince and the Pawper in the Simon & Schuster Canada Booth #605/607 on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

Dusty switches places with a pampered look-alike raccoon in this second entry in the hilarious middle grade graphic novel series about a sneaky raccoon family who live life in the trash lane from Stephanie Cooke and Whitney Gardner!

Middle Grade Book, Children’s Book

Pamela Cross is signing copies of And Sometimes They Kill You: Confronting the Epidemic of Intimate Partner Violence in the Between the Lines OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

And Sometimes They Kill You untangles what intimate partner violence is, the barriers to its eradication, and what we could be doing to eliminate those barriers.

Adult Book

Sara de Waard is signing copies of Defy in the Cormorant Books | DCB Young Readers OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

In Zalmon, every Life Event is pre-determined: where you’ll work, who you’ll marry, and when you’ll die. When his beloved little sister is assigned an imminent Death Date, 17-year-old Darius will stop at nothing to save her.

Young Adult Book

Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch is signing copies of Under Attack (Kidnapped from Ukraine #1) in the Scholastic Canada Booth #211/213 on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

This gripping, accessible novel by celebrated Ukrainian Canadian author Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch follows two sisters as they struggle to survive the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Middle Grade Book, Young Adult Book

Michael McCreary is signing copies of Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum in the Annick Press Booth #320 on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

This unique and hilarious memoir breaks down what it’s like to live with autism for readers on and off the spectrum. Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic is an invaluable read for young readers with ASD looking for voices to relate to, as well as for readers hoping to broaden their understanding of ASD.

Young Adult Book

Ozoz Sokoh is signing copies of Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria in the Penguin Random House Canada Booth #718/720/722/724 on Thursday at 12:00 PM.

An introduction to classic Nigerian home cooking featuring 100 delicious recipes by food explorer, culinary anthropologist, and Nigerian Native of @kitchenbutterfly fame, Ozoz Sokoh.

Adult Book

Join Nimbus for a showcase of authors featuring Lana Button (picture book, The First Ones on the Ice); Jillian Dobson (nonfiction biography Girl Takes Drastic Step! How Molly Lamb Bobak Became Canada’s

First Official Woman War Artist), Sidura Ludwig (middle-grade novel SWAN: The Girl Who Grew), and Andy Tolson (middle-grade adventure novel How to Kidnap a Mermaid).

Join the authors for a signing at the Nimbus booth (531/533) afterwards!

On stage at the IdeaHUB Stage at the Super EXPO.

Uzma Jalaluddin is signing copies of Detective Aunty in the HarperCollins Canada Booth #728/730/732 on Thursday at 12:15 PM.

When her grown daughter is suspected of murder, a charming and tenacious widow digs into the case to unmask the real killer in this twisty, page-turning whodunnit – the first book in a cozy new detective series from the acclaimed author of Ayesha at Last.

Adult Book

Kelly Collier is signing copies of Steve, a Pretty Exceptional Horse in the Kids Can Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 12:20 PM.

The first installment in a hilarious early graphic novel series, based on Kelly Collier’s popular picture book introducing the one and only (just ask him!) Steve the Horse.

Children’s Book

Jack Wang is signing copies of The Riveter in the House of Anansi Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 12:20 PM.

A harrowing cross-cultural love story set against the dramatic backdrop of the Allied invasion of Europe in WWII.

Adult Book

Farah Heron is signing copies of Remember Me Tomorrow in the Firefly Books Booth #319/321 on Thursday at 12:30 PM.

East House is the oldest and least desirable dorm on campus, but it has a draw for lonely university freshman Aleeza Kassam: Jay Hoque, the hot and broody student who vanished from East House five months ago without a trace. It’s irresistible to an aspiring investigative journalist like Aleeza.

Adult Book

Coltrane Seesequasis is signing copies of Secrets of Stone in the Literary Press Group Booth #417 on Thursday at 12:30 PM.

Centuries have passed since the forces of nature won the war against humanity. Sentient animals now rule a healing world, and as the stain of mankind continues to dwindle, a young wolf called Silversong is determined to rise in the hierarchy of his pack. The first in a four-part series.

Young Adult Book

Wali Shah is signing copies of Call Me Al in the Orca Book Publishers Booth #410/412 on Thursday at 12:30 PM.

Eighth-grade student Ali is trying to balance school, friends, and catching the eye of his crush all while living up to his parents’ expectations. When he begins to acknowledge the anti-Muslim racism around him, he turns to writing poetry for solace – and in the process finds his voice.

Middle Grade Book

Eric Walters is signing copies of Call Me Al in the Orca Book Publishers Booth #410/412 on Thursday at 12:30 PM.

Eighth-grade student Ali is trying to balance school, friends and catching the eye of his crush all while living up to his parents’ expectations. When he begins to acknowledge the anti-Muslim racism around him, he turns to writing poetry for solace – and in the process finds his voice.

Middle Grade Book

Shazia Afzal is signing copies of The Eidi Bag in the Owlkids Books OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 12:40 PM.

A little girl adapts to the Eid traditions of her new home.

Picture Book, Children’s Book

Amy Rosen is signing copies of Off Menu in the ECW Press OBPO Pavilion on Thursday at 12:40 PM.

In Amy Rosen’s debut novel hilarity and heartbreak are dished out in equal measure. Mid-20s Ruthie navigates learning what she wants, who to love, and how to laminate pastry in this Heartburn meets Bridget Jones’s Diary adventure for the next generation.

Adult Book

Rosena Fung is signing copies of Today I Am in the Library Bound Booth #311/313 on Thursday at 12:45 PM.

A fresh and fearless collection of short fiction, poetry and graphic fiction for today’s middle-grade readers. In this timely, thought-provoking, funny,and heartbreaking collection, 10 acclaimed BIPOC authors from across Canada explore the theme and concept of home.

Middle Grade Book, Young Adult Book

Jael Richardson is signing copies of Today I Am in the Library Bound Booth #311/313 on Thursday at 12:45 PM.

A fresh and fearless collection of short fiction, poetry, and graphic fiction for today’s middle-grade readers. In this timely, thought-provoking, funny, and heartbreaking collection, 10 acclaimed BIPOC authors from across Canada explore the theme and concept of home.

Middle Grade Book, Young Adult Book

Liselle Sambury is signing copies of Today I Am in the Library Bound Booth #311/313 on Thursday at 12:45 PM.

A fresh and fearless collection of short fiction, poetry and graphic fiction for today’s middle-grade readers. In this timely, thought-provoking, funny, and heartbreaking collection, 10 acclaimed BIPOC authors from across Canada explore the theme and concept of home.

Middle Grade Book, Young Adult Book

Sidura Ludwig is signing copies of Swan in the Nimbus Publishing Booth #531/533 on Thursday at 12:30 PM.

Middle Grade Book

Andy Tolson is signing copies of How to Kidnap a Mermaid in the Nimbus Publishing Booth #531/533 on Thursday at 12:30 PM.

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Middle Grade Book

Sita Jit is signing copies of Divya’s Supersecret Plan in the Capstone Booth #812 on Thursday at 1:00 PM.

When a family friend asks to have her mehndi party at Divya’s family’s restaurant, Divya knows just how to decorate to make the party truly magical. But the adults are all busy planning the menu, and no one will listen to Divya’s ideas. Divya decides to prove that she is responsible.

Middle Grade Book

Adrienne Kress is signing copies of Five Nights at Freddy’s: Return to the Pit (Interactive Novel #2) in the Scholastic Canada Booth #211/213 on Thursday at 1:00 PM.

Return to Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza in this interactive novel in which YOU decide what happens! Dive into an interactive retelling of one of the most popular FNAF stories, and the basis for the hit video game Into the Pit! Can you escape? Or will it be game over for you and your friends?

Young Adult Book

Tanya Lloyd Kyi is signing copies of When You Meet a Dragon in the Orca Book Publishers Booth #410/412 on Thursday at 1:00 PM.

A child is all alone when they see an enormous dragon. They call to their friends and neighbours, and everyone rallies to help, fending off the dragon and putting out fires. Finally, the dragon flees. Even though the dragon might return, the child knows they’ll never have to face it alone again.

Picture Book