Beyond Booklists: Libraries' Role in Reconciliation 
AUTHOR STEPHEN KAKFWI DISUCISSING HIS MEMOIR AT GRANDE  PRAIRIE PULIC LIBRARY
Most people agree that education is essential for reconciliation. As information experts, library staff are great at promoting books and educational resources. Every September, we share booklists and resources on residential schools, Indigenous history, and issues related to reconciliation. Before
we recommend resources, let's explore other ways libraries can promote truth and reconciliation.
>> FROM THE CEO
Roll with the Punches: Evolution of Effective Policy
Louisa Robison 
 
The development of policy is often an underestimated skill. A lot of times, we formulate policy in response to something that has happened, we’re reacting. And then, after that policy has been signed off on and put to bed, it isn’t revisited until something happens to challenge that policy. But a policy should be an ever-evolving thing, they are almost never a static document. 
 
>> DEPARTMENT UPDATES

        CONSULTING CORNER  
     - TD Summer Reading 
     - Blocks & kits
     - Stronger Together
- Together We Read 
- New programming kits
- Truth and Reconciliation booklists
- Importing booklists

COLLECTION SERVICES
Producing complete and accurate Item Records is a big part of maintaining a useful database within our shared catalogue. Most importantly for providing services to patrons and for staff to find items on the shelves, but also for proper statistics and system functionality.
 
FROM THE IT DESK 
Did you know? Check out Janet's column for the latest on the upcoming Polaris upgrade, little known facts about Polaris Leap and how Peace Library System can help you build a technology plan for your library.    
 
>> COLUMNS 
 
QUANTUM COMPUTING
Have you heard Quantum computing? It's a groundbreaking technology that uses tiny particles called quibits to do superfast calculations. Read more to learn about their special abilities.
 
PROPAGATING PLANTS 
Have you ever seen a plant at a friend's home and thought, I really need that one, only to not find it in any store. There is a good way to "get" a plant is to take a cutting of the mother plant.
 
WHITE NATIONALISM IN LIBRARIES
Unfortunately, white nationalism is an issue affecting American and Canadian libraries more and more. Check out the Confronting White Nationalism in Libraries Toolkit to learn actions we can take to prevent these movements from showing up on our doorstep.
 

Embracing Barbie (and Ken)
This summer, the iconic Barbie doll has made a remarkable comeback, and libraries have responded with enthusiasm and creativity! From Barbie themed storytime sessions for kids and fashion design for teens, to Barbie history for adults, libraries are using the trend to attract new users and engage their communities. Many have created eye-catching displays and hilarious social media posts to market library services and attract new users. Keep reading for Barbie-themed programming, reader’s advisory and marketing inspiration!                                                                                  

CEO Louisa Robison picked up 14 boxes of the of The Coyote & Crow Rule Book from Pe Metawe Games in Edmonton in August. We are currently processing them for each of our member libraries!
  
 
>> FROM GPPL
An Author Talk Light and Sweet (Like Boba)
 
On June 17th, Grande Prairie Public Library hosted New York Times Bestselling Author Judy Lin for an author talk. Judy is the author of the Book of Tea duology: A Magic Steeped in Poison and A Venom Dark and Sweet, a popular YA fantasy series. 

Judy Lin Signing Books
 
 
>> AROUND THE SYSTEM 
 
         
 
The conference will take place over three days, virtually on November 3rd and in-person on November 9th and 10th. Each day will offer a new variety of sessions and speakers and cover topics such as leadership, board development, accessibility and diversity, library technology and more!

Friday, November 3: Virtual Stronger Together Conference
Thursday, November 9: ALTA Symposium hosted by Alberta Library Trustees Association
Friday, November 10: In-person Stronger Together Conference
 
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. * If you register for either in-person day on the 9th, or 10th, you will receive complimentary access to the virtual conference on the 3rd.
 
  
 
>> PLS WEBINARS
 
eResource Tips & Tricks
 
We have finished uploading almost 70 eResource Tips & Tricks videos onto the PLS Youtube Channel.Once on the channel page, click on PLAYLISTS.
 
This will bring up a playlist for each of our eResources with short videos on how to use the various features. 
 
The video links can be used to train staff and patrons on all of our eResources.  
 
The videos can be embedded into webpages or sent through email.
 
 Watch PLS webinars on YouTube or Staff Niche Academy.
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>> OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
 
Safeguarding Intellectual Freedom 
American librarians are increasingly becoming the latest targets in the political and cultural wars spreading across the country, part of a growing movement to ban books, censor ideas, and restrict educators’ ability to discuss race, gender, identity, and LGBTQ+ issues in the classroom. This webinar will examine the challenges facing academic and public libraries and explore the actions that can be taken to ensure libraries remain bastions of intellectual freedom for all.

Date: Tuesday, August 29
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm 
Presented by: UMD Libraries 
 
 
 
Sustainable Libraries: Webinar Series 
WebJunction and the Sustainable Libraries Initiative are collaborating to offer a set of resources to support libraries as they address the greatest threat to global health and the grandest challenge of our time: climate change.This webinar series is designed to:
  • Provide you with a basic understanding of sustainability as a new core value of the profession
  • Demonstrate what climate action looks like in libraries, even in parts of the country where it may not be popular to talk about climate change
  • Offer practical advice, ideas, and examples for how your library can address climate change. 
 
 News & Notes is your quarterly professional guide to news, services and connection with the staff at PLS.
 
Editor / Designer - Jill Kergan
 
Contributors to this issue:
  • Janet Ayles
  • Rose-Marie Finch
  • Ryan Goff
  • Tanya Huffman
  • Duncan Lotoski
  • Louisa Robison
  • Emma Stewart
  • Ken Sawdon 
  • Samantha Turvey
 Member Libraries
  • Candace Cardinal
  • Doreen Horvath
  • Channing MacDonald
  • Samantha McDonald
  • Kendra McRee
  • Gail Perry 
  • Lois Stede
  • Clayton Tiro-Burns
Questions? Contact Jill by email or phone 780-538-4656 ext.104
 
UPCOMING EVENTS

Meetings
Board Meeting - September 16
Coffee Chat - September 19
Executive Meeting - October 21 
Coffee Chat - October 24
Library Managers' Council Meeting - October 24   
Coffee Chat - November 21
 
Dates to Remember
Alberta Culture Days - September 1 - 30
International Literacy Day -
Orange Shirt Day - September 30 
Canadian Library Month - October 1 to 31 
Canadian Library Workers Day - 
National Coming Out Day - October 11 
Canadian School Libraries Day - October 23
Remembrance Day - November 11
 
Stronger Together Conference 2023
* Ticket sales close October 27th
Virtual Conference: Friday, November 3          
In-Person Trustee Development Day: Thursday, November 9
In-Person Conference: Friday, November 10
 
>> PLEASE WELCOME
Tanya Huffman
Materials Handling Page
Tanya was born in Fort St. John, BC and has lived in Grande Prairie, AB for the last 15 years. She lives with her husband and 4 pets. When she is not at PLS you can most likely find her at Bandaged Paws Animal Association where she works providing animal care. At home, she enjoys playing video games, listening to true crime podcasts and writing.Tanya is thrilled to have joined the team at PLS and is excited to learn more!
 
>> Submit to News & Notes
 
Share what you've been up to with other libraries! Submit articles, pictures and/or videos and we'll feature them in the next issue of News & Notes.
 
Show off your library and get inspired by others. Let's see all the amazing things going on in our system! The fall issue comes out November 24, 2023. Please send submissions to Jill by November 17th.
 
Subscribe below to get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox. In the meantime, visit our online archive to read older issues.

 
 
Peace Library System acknowledges that we are located on the Treaty 8 territory of the Cree, Beaver, and Dene people, and Region 6 of the Métis Nation of Alberta. We are grateful to live, work, and learn together on this land which has been home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples since time immemorial. We recognize this land as an act of reconciliation, and we also commit to supporting and celebrating our local Indigenous communities while working to break down institutional barriers to make our libraries equitable and accessible.
 
QUICK LINKS
 
Peace Library System
8301 - 110 Street
Grande Prairie, AB T8W 6T2
Phone: (780) 538-4656
www.peacelibrarysystem.ab.ca