Ontario Library Service

06/01/2026

☀️⛱️🏕️This summer, we’re excited to offer plenty of flexible learning opportunities. Dive into our extensive library of recorded webinars or choose from a variety of on-demand courses to continue growing your skills at your own pace.

Your learning journey doesn’t have to take a break—explore these resources today: https://mailchi.mp/olservice/2026-summer-training-bulletin

05/27/2026

Don't miss this great opportunity to hear from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries as they outline the process that lead to the creation of Maawn Doobiigeng (Gather Together), a new classification system based in Anishinaabe ways of knowing.

Participants will have the chance to engage in small‑group discussions focused on what decolonizing and Indigenizing can look like within library organization.

👉Register today: https://www.learnhq.ca/ #/instructor-led-courses/49005e07-2735-43b4-89dd-f851bdf6b775

05/21/2026

🎉New Blog Post!

As we prepare to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day in June, Ontario Library Service (OLS) is proud to highlight the programs, resources, and relationships that support First Nation public libraries across the province.

😎Read more on the blog:

05/19/2026

📈Are you spearheading your library's strategic plan process, but unsure where to start?

💻Enroll in the new EXCEL course on Strategic Planning in Public Libraries! This self-directed, tutor supported course will guide you through the process one step at a time: https://learnhq.ca/ #/online-courses/36fc8103-b776-4afc-83c1-1f4301a5a585

05/14/2026

🥳Dr. Nicole Dalmer is back, this time leading a webinar on ageism in the library. This training will explore stereotypes, discrimination, and unconscious biases in service provision, workplace dynamics, and community engagement.

👉Details and registration are on LearnHQ: https://learnhq.ca/ #/instructor-led-courses/e554eeaf-166d-4125-aef0-383a1e6b75c9

05/07/2026

👋Join us on Wednesday, May 20th for a chance to ask questions, swap programming ideas, and connect with other libraries as we get ready for this year’s TD Summer Reading Club📖

A great space to share, learn, and get inspired together. Details and registration are on LearnHQ: https://learnhq.ca/ #/instructor-led-courses/58532668-f756-4ea6-8d4c-a93c2ec9c33b

05/04/2026

New month, new blossoms, new newsletter! 🌸 May’s edition is ready to brighten your day!

😎Read it here:

Our current strategic plan served us well during the initial five years as the OLS. The 2026/27–2029/30 plan will guide our core work into the future with a focus on services and supports that build up public libraries in Ontario.

04/30/2026

📢New Blog Post!

With a municipal election on the horizon this fall, 2026 will be a pivotal year for public libraries across Ontario. Now is an important time for library boards to begin thinking strategically about succession planning, board transitions, and recruitment.

👉Read the full article here: https://www.olservice.ca/blog/2026/04/30/6-steps-to-a-stronger-library-board-preparing-for-the-2026-municipal-election

04/28/2026

If you weren’t able to join last week’s in‑person De‑Escalation Toolkit training, you still have a chance to participate. A virtual session will be held on Monday, May 11th from 1–4 p.m. ET — don’t miss it!

Learn several techniques for handling difficult situations, as well as strategies for decompressing afterward and supporting others who may also need time to recover.

👉Register on LearnHQ today: https://learnhq.ca/ #/instructor-led-courses/946192c4-b9b2-4353-a836-ba19f5c3dc68

04/21/2026

🙋‍♀️Are you a library staff member looking to demystify collection management? Or looking for an introduction or review of collection management essentials for busy library teams?

In this session, Kirk MacLeod and Lorisia MacLeod will provide participants with a practical, foundational overview of the library collection lifecycle—from selection and acquisition to maintenance and de-selection (weeding).

Register on LearnHQ today: https://learnhq.ca/ #/instructor-led-courses/3a2b06c7-512f-4e2d-8f0b-dc815716b29b