Library Land Loves

How do libraries stay relevant—and resilient—on social media in a digital world filled with ever-shifting platforms, polarized conversations, and online chaos? Just ask this week's guest, Kaitlin Slack, Digital Communications Officer at Calgary Public Library, who sits down with host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) for a timely discussion on the evolving role of social media in public libraries.

From building community engagement to navigating misinformation and platform controversies like Twitter/X, Kaitlin shares real-world insights and strategies libraries can use to stay grounded online. Hear how Calgary Public Library developed a social media incident response plan, which platforms are on the rise, and what libraries should consider before jumping ship—or diving in deeper—on the next digital trend.

Whether you're a library pro, digital communicator, or just fascinated by how institutions manage their online presence, this episode offers thoughtful conversation and actionable takeaways.

Chapters

00:00 - 06:01 Introduction & opening chit chat

6:03 - 13: 17 Why Public Libraries Are On Social Media

13:17 - 16:33 Social Media Audience VS Cardholder Demographics

16:34 - 22:17 Impact of Politics on Social Media Engagement in Libraries

22:18 - 26:57 Where is the Online Library Audience?

26:59 - 29:10 What Library Policy Looks Like Around Social Media Presence

29:38 - 32:34 Advice for Libraries in Proceeding with Social Media Platforms

32:34 - 33:36 Closing Remarks

Welcome back to Library Land Loves. This episode, host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) speaks to award-winning author and editor David A. Robertson about his new role as Editorial Director of Swift Water Books, the first Indigenous children's imprint at a major Canadian publisher. They discuss the importance of mentorship, representation in children's publishing, the founding vision for Swift Water Books, and how libraries can help build inclusive collections that reflect the diversity and joy of Indigenous communities. Whether you're a librarian, educator, or advocate for storytelling, you won't want to miss this one.

Chapters

00:00 - 04:45 Welcome Chat

04:45 - 06:55 Inspiration behind Swift Water Books

06:55 - 14:34 What is an Imprint, Why this Matters?

14:34 - 17:16 Goals for Swift Water Books

17:22 -  19:22 What Makes Content Indigenous? The Importance of Representation and Mentorship for Indigenous Creators

19:36 - 22:26 What Goes Into Curating Indigenous Titles in Library Collection?

22:26 - 25:00 Most Uplifting Parts of Creating an Imprint, Building Community Through Story

25:00 - 27:23 David’s Upcoming Projects

Money talk can be awkward—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) sits down with certified financial planner, bestselling author, and all-around money guru Shannon Lee Simmons to chat about Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life, her forthcoming book aimed at helping teens build financial confidence.

From budgeting bubble tea money to investing for the future, Shannon shares practical advice for young people learning to navigate their finances—and explains how libraries can play a vital role in financial literacy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, librarian, or teen yourself, this episode is packed with tips to help the next generation feel good about money.

✨ Learn how to track, save, spend, enjoy, and grow your money—without guilt, shame, or spreadsheets.
📚 Find out how libraries can support financial literacy in a fun, engaging way.
💡 Discover why it’s never too early (or too intimidating!) to start investing.

📖 Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life hits shelves April 1, 2025, from HarperCollins Canada.

It’s time to challenge the status quo and rethink our approach, which is why we’ll explore the importance of letting young readers explore stories that push boundaries and reflect the world. This panel discussion is about giving teens the freedom to think, question, and grow, and will dive into how we can move forward. ModeratorMichelle Arbuckle, OLA Executive DirectorPanelistsLawrence Hill, Canadian AWARD-WINNING AuthorMaria Martella, Owner, TinlidsWendy Burch-Jones, OSLA Council President

Chapters

00:00-2:00 Introduction

2:00-12:00 Why Teens Need the Freedom to Read

12:02-25:04 Book Challenges and Censorship

25:04-42:15 Fear and Controlling the Narrative

42:16-53:12 Consequences of Limiting Teens' Reading Choices

53:13-59:08 How You Can Support Freedom to Read

*****

This week on Library Land Loves, we're diving into the Sinai Health Foundation's Hot & Bothered campaign, a bold initiative raising awareness about menopause and workplace wellbeing. Host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) is joined by Lana Chen, Vice President of Integrated and Brand Marketing at Sinai Health Foundation, and Rebecca Flaman, Executive Vice President and Client Partner at Diamond. Together, they explore how this campaign is breaking stigmas, supporting employees experiencing menopause, and why it's especially relevant in library workplaces. Tune in to learn how libraries can create more inclusive environments and champion women's health.

Further Reading  

As we put Super Conference 2025 into our rear-view mirrors, host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director, OLA) and friend-of-the-show Emily Burns (Director, Education & Impact at OLA) reflect on some favorite #OLASC moments. From standout stats to first-timer impressions, plus candid sound bites from our awesome attendees, we're reliving the energy, insights, and connections that made this year’s conference unforgettable. So buckle up for a journey across those bridges we’ve been building and let's take a moment to celebrate the connections made along the way!

Intro & Opening Chat 00:00-04:02
Staff Favourite Moments: 4:12-6:45
By the Numbers: 7:25-9:12
The Vibes: 11:48-17:09
Virtual Program: 17:09-18:20
First Timers:  18:20-27:30
Attendee Favourite Moments: 27:36-32:06
Closing Remarks: 32:07-36:40
Outro: 36:50-39:04

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Oh boy, the Ontario provincial election is upon us, and we know how daunting it can feel. Join host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) and special guest Dina Stevens, Executive Director of the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL) for a chat about what we can do as voters to support our libraries during transitional times. Get some hot tips for talking to candidates, as well as what to doafter the election to keep our MPPs engaged.

Chapters

00:00-4:32 Intro
4:32- 8:16 Advocacy Ask #1: ODPL
8:16-10:40 Advocacy Ask #2: Increase to the PLOG
10:40-12:31 Advocacy Ask #3: Sustainable Funding Model for FNPLs
12:32-18:59 How to Engage with Candidates that Come to Your Door
19:00-20:39 The Role Libraries Play during Election Season
20:40-26:27 Post-Election Actions We Can Take to Keep MPPs Engaged
26:28-29:09 Closing Remarks

As library people, we know the value of these super spaces, but how can we better share that appreciation with our communities? This week, join host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) as she sits down with Susan Martin, Manager of Branch Capital Planning and Implementation at Toronto Public Library to dive deep into the fascinating world of library tourism. From guided tours, special collections, and modern programming to creative space designs and renovations, we're getting the inside scoop from the Queen of library tours. So grab your tote bag and fill up your water bottle, the library is open!

Chapters:

00:00-10:37 Intro & Opening Chat

11:41-36:19 Interview with Susan Martin

36:25-38:19 Final Thoughts

As the holiday season is well and truly upon us now, we invite you to come with us as we take a minute to celebrate some of OLA's milestones from the past year. We may not be able to tell you the unseemly amount of hours you spent listening to your guilty pleasures on repeat, but we can offer some well wishes from your favourite OLA staff members (as well as what we're all most looking forward to getting up to with our time off). So join us as we say adieu to 2024--we'll see you bright and early next year!

Get ready to sleigh your holiday shopping list! 🎄 In this festive episode, our host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) sits down with Vikki VanSickle, celebrated author and resident book expert for CTV’s Your Morning.

Whether you’re shopping for a pint-sized page-turner, a young adult dreamer, or the hardest-to-please adult reader, Vikki’s here with pro tips and must-have book recommendations that’ll make you the holiday gifting MVP.

From cozy picture books to gripping adult fiction, Vikki's got recs for every reader on your list. So grab your gift-wrap and your shiniest ribbons—it’s time to turn the page on holiday stress and let the joy of books guide your giving!

Chapters

00:00-3:42 Intro & Opening Chat

3:51-18:30 Top Tips for Gifting Books

18:30-22:53 Picture Book Picks

22:54-26:52 Middle Grade Picks

28:07-31:48 YA Picks

31:49-38:31 Adult Picks

38:31-31:02 Final Thoughts

It's almost the most wonderful time of the year! That's right, it's nearly time for OLA Super Conference! Join us this week as host and Executive Director of the OLA Michelle Arbuckle sits down with OLA's Director of Education & Impact, Emily Burns as we prepare for Super Conference 2025 'Building Bridges'. Hear all the deets on spotlight and keynote sessions, learn about new and additional programs for 2025, reminisce with us about some favourite moments from Super Conferences past, and get some insider advice to get you fully conference ready. Grab your chapstick and your comfiest walking shoes, and let's dive in!

Chapters

00:00-3:56 Intro & chitchat

4:02-9:55 Highlighting this year’s spotlight & keynote speakers

10:10-16:41 New and Additional programs

16:50-23:33 Other favourite SC gems

23:40-28:08 Virtual Conference

28:08-29:13 Registration Info

29:41-34:28 Closing Remarks and Advice to prep for SC25

What can library land learn from the chaos of the kitchen? In this episode, host & Executive Director of the OLA Michelle Arbuckle and our special guest Dr. Michael Stephens, professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University are serving up spicy takes on leadership, inspired by the high-stakes world of professional cooking as seen on the hit show The Bear. Our specials this evening include lessons on communication, innovation, and resilience—along with a piping hot side of pop culture appreciation. Pull up a chair and dig in, we're so glad to have you with us.

Chapters:

00:00-6:45 Introduction

7:31-15:44 Lesson 1: Chain of Command

15:51-20:32 Lesson 2: Innovation through Inspiration

20:44-27:49 Lesson 3: Training for Excellence

27:50-35:07 Lesson 4: Crisis Management

35:07-37:27 A Note on Toxic Workplace Culture

39:28-42:57 Final Thoughts & Watch Recommendations

This week on Library Land Loves, our host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) sits down with everyone's favourite colleague, Director of Member Engagement, Melissa Macks to get all the hot goss on OLA's very own Awards season! Learn more about the awards we offer, and hear from some VIPWs (that's "Very Important Past Winners") as they offer practical advice to Library Land newcomers. The show is about to begin. Please adjust your AirPods, no flash photography, and enjoy your front-row seat to OLA's awards season spectacular!

This week on Library Land Loves, our host Michelle Arbuckle sits down with 2024 OSLA President Wendy Burch Jones for an important discussion about why having access to a fully staffed and funded school library is so necessary for our students, and what you can do to get involved.

Welcome back to Library Land Loves, we’ve missed you! Join us in our first episode back as your host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA), sits down for a chat with the key crew behind the 2025 OLA Super Conference: Caroline Goulding, Randy Oldham, and Amanda Robinson. Get the inside scoop on the 2025 theme’s origin story (no, we’re not pivoting to become an engineering association), hear about our planners’ favourite SC memories, and snap up some hot tips for how you can get more involved with Canada’s largest library conference. Grab your beverage of choice and make sure your headphones are fully charged, we’re so thankful to have you here. 

Dr. Michael Stephens joins us to chat about empathy - why it's important and tools to help us develop our empathy muscles. Adjacent to the important topic of empathy is compassion fatigue and how the work that we do requires us to take care of ourselves, to step out our work roles, take time for dreaming and find joy in our lives and our work.

Nancy Cooper, First Nation Communities READ coordinator is here to tell us all about the program, this year's 2022/2023 selected titles and how you can learn more and get involved. 

Links from the episode: 

This week we're talking about banned books with host and creator of The Stacks podcast, Traci Thomas. Earlier this year Traci hosted a five part series on banned books where she had some really interesting conversations with librarians, authors, students, teachers, performers, politicians, and bookstore owners. The series explored all the nuances around the implications of banning books and she joins Michelle to chat about what she learned over the course of that week. 

Here are some links to things that we chatted about in this conversation: 

This keynote conversation was recorded at the 2022 OLA Super Conference. 

Get obsessed with us. OLA is thrilled to bring the hosts of National Public Radio’s Pop Culture Happy Hour to chat about how pop culture will save us all. From lowbrow to highbrow, what culture are we consuming during our pandemic journey? And more importantly, what culture is making us happy this week?

Join arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon and Stephen Thompson in conversation with Michelle Arbuckle about all the culture that’s fit to talk about.

Five days a week, Pop Culture Happy Hour serves you recommendations and commentary on the buzziest movies, TV, music, books, videogames and more. Hosted by Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris - plus a rotating cast of guest pop culture aficionados. The Happy Hour team leaves room at the table for exploring a range of reactions and opinions on every bit of the pop universe.

Many libraries now make their own podcasts, but there are also people who make library and book-related podcasts outside of their jobs. Panelists will discuss why they make podcasts, how they engage with their audiences, what makes a successful podcast, balancing work vs podcasting, and where they’d like to see podcasting go in the future.

Thank you to Matthew Murray, Brenna Clarke Gray, Alanna King and Maurice Coleman. 

Podcasts:

What does it mean to be neurodivergent or neuro-atypical in library land? Today’s conversation is about what it's like to be an adult with ADHD, and how we can better support workers with this condition. 

ADHD is a condition that affects 1.5 million Canadians but is still often confused or dismissed as something that only affects children. Aries Casteel, from the Dartmouth Heritage Museum recently spoke in a presentation about her own personal experiences with ADHD and made suggestions on how workplaces could make spaces and work life more inclusive to those with ADHD.

A little program note here, I was super stressed about the editing of this podcast because it was recorded while I was dog sitting for my mother-in-law and of course the dog chose this exact time to tap dance her way across my office. So you may hear some little clicks and growls throughout, I apologize, life interrupts! 

Resources mentioned in this conversation: 

Dreaming of faraway adventures and landscapes beyond your local park? This week's list has got you covered with the top five travel books from library land's own Ken Haigh. Ken was formerly the CEO of Collingwood Public Library and has authored two books, most recently "On Foot to Canterbury, a son's pilgrimage". Escape with us through his favourite travel books and as we head out on walking, cycling and culinary adventures! 

Ken's Top Five Travel Books 

1. Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes by Robert Louis Stevenson

2. The Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris 

3. Behind the Wall: a Journey through China by Colin Thubron 

4. The Old Way by Robert Macfarlane 

5. A Time of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor 

This week Steven Kraus from Ontario Library Service chats about the key ingredients for making a successful virtual event. It's a great conversation with some excellent tips on how to set your organizers up for success and create the right atmosphere for your attendees. So whether you're working on an upcoming virtual conference, story time, trivia night or book talk - this one is for you! 

References from this episode: 

Looking for some spooky, scary program ideas for the teens in your library? Teen Librarians, Brooke Windsor and Cameron Ray join us this week to talk about all of the amazing work they're doing with the teens at their libraries and their top five Halloween programs. 

Their list includes: 

• Fear in the Stacks
• Zombie Survival Night 
• Classic Haunted House 
• Ghost Story Concert 
• Special Effects Makeup 
• Witching Crafting Hour 

October is Canadian Library Month and this week we're recognizing Ontario Public Library Week. In an ode to public libraries we're thrilled to speak with "power library user" Lanrick Bennett Jr. Five years ago, Lanrick spearheaded #jackslibrarytour, a project that took him and his son Jack to all 100 branches of the Toronto Public Library system using public transit. This episode is a love letter from a library user to libraries, and a reflection on the place libraries fill in our world right now. Big shout-outs to the Jones Branch of TPL! 

References from this episode:

For years Andrew Colgoni has been the beauty and brains behind Ad/Lib, a website and social handle dedicated to documenting and analyzing the marketing and branding efforts of libraries around the world. We chat with Andrew about some interesting examples of libraries attempting to branch out in new directions (with varying levels of success), and some fun and surprising ways that libraries are engaging with their communities. 

References from today's conversation: 

This week we chat with Bessie Sullivan, CEO of Orillia Public Library and get her top five reasons why libraries should go fine free, and why we should be challenging the power structure in libraries and start examining the principals of our profession. We close our conversation with a brand new (and as yet unnamed) segment where we pebble our guest with a series of rapid-fire questions that help us get to know the person outside of the library. 

References from this week's conversation:

It's season four and we're back with some practical, inspiring and wisdom-chocked life tips about how to survive in library land as both someone who is managed and also does the managing. Joanna Aegard from Bruce County Public Library gives us her top five professional life tips and talks about losing that loving feeling at work and getting over her bad attitude towards management. 

This week's episode was captured as part of the Ontario Library Service conference, on Tuesday September 21, 2021. 

Library Land Loves is back for season four! Every Monday, host Michelle Arbuckle will be joined by someone from library land to discuss their work, their library and their loves. We'll be back next week, coming straight to your ears on September 27. 

This week we are thrilled to welcome Lauren McKeon, the author of "Women of the Pandemic: Stories from the Front Lines of COVID-19", a LoanStar Adult Top Pick last month. Many of the themes she writes about relate very poignantly to the work we do in library land - the toll of emotional labour, the importance of self care and mental health first aid. We also speak about what she learned from the incredible women in her book and how she prepared herself to write about a global pandemic while also living through it. 

If you are interested in a library leadership role then it's important to be realistic about the fact that library school couldn't teach you what you need to know in order to be a successful leader, and you're going to need to get some experience and training that exposes you to big picturing thinking and planning. This week we sat down with the most recent graduates of the Public Library Leaders program, a partnership between CULC and the University of Toronto's iSchool. They told us about their experiences with leadership training and their top takeaways from the program. 

Thank you to Lisa Radha Weaver from Hamilton Public Library; Amanda Fullerton from Halifax Public Library; Jorge Cardenas from Burnaby Public Library and Marcus Logan from Oakville Public Library. 

This week Kevin Sylvester, one of our favourite authors and head of the Forest of Reading cheer squad joins us. Because it's Forest of Reading week! Kevin tells us all about the virtual Forest of Reading events that will be taking place over the week and some of his favourite memories as a 15 time nominated author. 

Have you heard about Discord yet? And more importantly do you know how it could revolutionize your library programming!? If not, Brady and Matt  from Pickering Public Library are here and they have your back. This week they are taking us through the top five reasons to use Discord in your library. 

We discuss how they got approvals from library management; the types of connections to the community they're able to make; the audio visual quality of the platform and of course the quality of the user experience. 

I'd be remiss if I didn't add that Discord might be responsible for bringing karaoke back into your life. You're welcome. 

This week Michelle is lucky enough to be chatting with one of the best people on the Internet (and real life, too) - Jessamyn West. Jessamyn is a library person in Vermont who speaks a lot about how to better serve rural communities. She's bringing to the Library Land Loves table her top five tips on how to be more accessible to your communities. Her tips are quick and easy and likely don't even require help from your IT department! 

If your library is hosting author chats or book talks then Carol Ann Tack from Merrick Library NY is here to give you a few tips! Carol Ann hosts authors on her wildly successful podcast "Top Shelf at the Merrick Library" and has some great stories and advice on how she prepares for and approaches conversations with both authors and her book discussion groups. 

The children of Library Land have spoken and they have told us their favourite games! Join us as they tell us in their own delightful words which games they love and why. Michelle Goodridge from Wilfrid Laurier University is also here to talk about her favourite games of the moment and to give us a few things to think about when it comes to gaming safely. 

Awards season is our most favourite time of the year and this has been a banner year for incredible audiobook performances. Join Michelle and Reagan Kapasi from OLA's Reader's Advisory Committee as they present their choices for the best audiobooks they've read this year. 

Categories include: 

• Music to My Ears (Best Performance);
• A Perfect Marriage of Storytelling & Performance (fiction);
• Be Careful, You'll LOL;
• Cast Chemistry;
• People Worth eMeeting.

It's not a stretch to say that library land is full of lifelong learners, and many of us have taken courses, certificates and degrees in order to build our credentials or just out of curiosity and interest. But have you ever considered how going back to school as an adult might help you approach your day job a little differently? 

Reece Steinberg, a business librarian from Ryerson University joins us this week to talk about his journey towards an MBA and how it's impacted the way he interacts with students, other faculty and given greater context to his work. 

This week Zack Osborne joins me to talk about lessons he's learned from managing his virtual team over the past year. We chat about modelling good behaviour, being authentic, recognizing burnout and impaired wellness, and most importantly when to CTDM (cancel the damn meeting). 

Warning: the poop swear word is used at least twice in this episode. 

References: 

Rochelle Mazar joins me this week to chat about one of my favourite topics - hiring! If you're looking to improve the questions that you ask your candidates or just want to think differently about your hiring process, then this episode is for you. We go through Rochelle's list of five-ish things to think about when drafting your interview questions. We also chat about some questionable practices and some of the not so productive questions we've encountered in the past. 

Tell us, if you were a tree what kind of tree would you be? 

This week, Michelle chats with Avery Swartz about how libraries can continue building relationships with their communities, even when they aren’t able to physically visit the library.

A list of things you should check out: 

Last year Emily and Michelle each took a leave of absence from their jobs to try out new roles in new organizations. Emily came to OLA and Michelle took a spin at Ryerson Library. Join us as we chat about trying out new jobs, learning the unwritten rules in new workplace cultures and the brain elasticity it requires to shift gears and leave the safety of a longtime role. 

Are your kids home right now? Are you finding it difficult to get anything done? Yah, us too. So this week, we asked writer Lindsay Zier-Vogel to give us her top five tips on how to get things done while there are little (and not so little) ones underfoot. She has some fantastic tips on how to structure your time, improve your focus and most importantly how to prepare in advance for the inevitable question "where are the snacks!?"