Peace Library System's Quarterly Newsletter                                                     SPRING 2024

FREEDOM TO READ IN CANADA 

Amidst alarming legislation being proposed in the US and rising threats to intellectual freedom, labeled a 'threat to democracy' by the ALA, censorship is an international concern. As Freedom to Read Week concludes, it's crucial to reflect on our freedom to read in the face of these challenges. 

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 FROM THE CEO

Latina Business Woman

Louisa Robison
CEO 

Flipping the Script from Scarcity to Shared Success 

All too often the negotiation we end up involved in is distributive, or win-lose. If you win something, I lose it, there’s no middle ground. And that’s the necessity when you’re dealing with limited funds when it comes to funding your library.


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 DEPARTMENT UPDATES

 CONSULTING 

Emma 

- TD Summer Reading Club
- PLSB Symposium
- Database usage

Duncan 

- New programming kits: karaoke, sticker machines, floor curling & more!


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Jill 

- PLS social media update

- Stronger Together 

COLLECTION SERVICES 

A year in review. We’ve made steps in reviewing, exploring, and adjusting our processes that will increase the speed and efficiencies within the Department.             

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FROM THE IT DESK

The importance of technology planning for libraries. Implementing a basic technology plan can revolutionize library services, enhancing access to information, and fostering community engagement. 


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 POPULAR INTEREST 

FAIRY GARDENING

Have you ever seen or wanted to make a fairy garden? You can make a fairy garden for your children, grand children to come and see. Maybe they could even help you in the process of making a magical wonderland.


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 FROM GPPL

eResource Quick Tips

We get a lot of questions about LinkedIn Learning, Ancestry, and PressReader so I've taken some of the most common questions we see and broken them down into these quick tips. 


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AROUND THE SYSTEM

See What's Happening!
SYMPOSIUM WEBPAGE

PEACE LIBRARY SYSTEM SYMPOSIUM 

Due to popular demand we're brining back in-person training for Peace Library System staff and trustees. Get ready for a one-day, action-packeed symposium this spring! 


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 UPCOMING WEBINARS


Sounds Like a Plan: Topics in Library Design and Planning 

The Annual Institute on the LIbrary as Place presents a special three-part virtual workshop series. 

    

     Going the Distance: The Benefits of a Long-Range Library Plan- Feb. 28

    At Your Service: Building a Functional Program Design - Mar. 25 

    Great Expectations: Progress in Communcal Library Space Design - Apr. 29


Library Boards & Intellectual Freedom: How to Combat Censorship with Your Library Trustees - March 13

As book bans and challenges continue to spread across the country, many p   ublic libraries seek ways to combat censorship or proactively prepare for such situations. Your library board of trustees can be a valuable asset in this climate. Presented by Niche Academy. 


Issues Management: Speaking to the Media  - March 18
Working with the media is a two-way street. Sometimes, we want them to help spread the word about our programs and services. And, sometimes, issues arise and they want to hear your side of the story. Join Sue Heuman, Yellowhead Regional Library System's communication resource, for an informative workshop with practical tips for proactive and reactive media relations you can use right away!

AI & Libraries: Applications, Implications, and Possibilitie - March 31
Join the experts at Library 2.0 for this free event, which is being held live online! Learn how libraries and library workers are engaging with artificial intelligence tools in their libraries, from research support to information literacy to technical service. The conversations held in the event will address the practical implications of these tools in the profession. 




News & Notes is your quarterly professional guide to news, services and connection with the staff at PLS.

 

Editor / Designer - Jill Kergan



PLS Contributors 


Duncan Lotoski 

Ken Sawdon 

Louisa Robison

Emma Stewart

Rose-Marie Finch
Ryan Goff


Around the System


Charlotte Anderson
Debbie de Ruiter

Nikki Olszewski

Susan Al-Mais



Questions? 

Contact Jill by email or phone 780-538-4656 ext.104



UPCOMING EVENTS

Meetings

Board: February 24 

Coffee Chat: March 6

Executive Committee - April 20 

Coffee Chat: April 8

Coffee Chat: May 7

Board: May 25
Public LIbrary Meeting: May 30


Dates to Remember

Pink Shirt Day - February 28

Dr. Suess's Birthday - March 2 

Easter- March 31

World Poetry Day - March 21

Children's Book Day - April 2
Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) - April 12 
World Book Day - April 23 
Harry Potter Day - May 2 
Star Wars Day & Free Comic Book Day  - May 4

Red Dress Day - May 5


In-Person PD Opportunities 

Southern Alberta Libraries Conference - April 26 
Peace Library System Symposium - May 31 

PLSB Symposium - June 10 & 11

Stronger Together Conference 2024 - October 3 & 4 


 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 spring issue comes out on May 24th. Please send submissions to Jill by May 17th.


Subscribe below to get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox. In the meantime, visit our online archive to read older issues.


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