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  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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  Louisa Robison CEO  |  
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 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  |  
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 Emma 
 |  - TD Summer Reading Club - PLSB Symposium - Database usage  |  
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 Duncan 
 |  - New programming kits: karaoke, sticker machines, floor curling & more! 
 
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 Jill 
 |  - PLS social media update - Stronger Together   |  
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 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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 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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 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
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 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 
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 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.  
 
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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 
 
 
 
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 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  
 
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