Join us for sessions on outreach & community partnerships, change management and workplace culture, small library renovations on a small budget, succession planning, alternative fundraising & sponsorships, the launch of the Toby Award (self-published author panel) & many open discussions to learn from each other!
Thursday May 8
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9:00am
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Registration
Pick up your badge, mug, and program. Grab a coffee and get ready for the day! |
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10:00-10:30am
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Opening Ceremonies
Library Main Floor |
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10:45-11:45am
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Outreach & Community Partnerships: A panel discussion
Panel: Lynda-Lou Classens, Bkejwanong First Nation Public Library; Karen DeLuca, Arnprior Public Library; Eva Fincham, Whitestone Public Library & Technology Centre; Moderated by Karen DeLuca Library Main Floor In this session a group of public library leaders from across Ontario will be discussing their library's experiences with outreach and community partnerships. What's New at WhiteHots? Presenter: Tania Arand, Sales & Marketing Specialist, Whitehots Inc. Program Room WhiteHots is our Platinum sponsor for the Little Branches Rural Roots Conference. |
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12:00-1:00pm
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Lunch
Lunch provided by Picnic Catering Spring Minestrone Soup (vegan and gluten-free) Lemony Pearl Barley Soup (vegetarian) Kale Salad (vegan and gluten free) Sandwiches (mix of tuna, egg, chicken curry & roasted vegetable) |
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1:00-2:30pm
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Want to Build Strong Teams and a Thriving Workplace Culture? You need change management!
Presenter: Julie Lane, CEO/Chief Librarian, Deseronto Public Library Library Main Floor In this interactive lecture, we’ll explore practical strategies for fostering team engagement and creating a positive workplace culture in small, rural Ontario libraries. Topics include building trust, promoting open communication, overcoming rural challenges, and supporting staff well-being. Through case studies and responsive scenarios, participants will learn how to strengthen team dynamics, enhance job satisfaction, and cultivate a supportive, inclusive environment despite limited resources. This session offers actionable tools to help library staff and leaders build cohesive, motivated teams that drive library success and community impact. Readers’ Advisory Divas and Dudes Program Room The Readers’ Advisory Divas and Dudes will be presenting (virtually) their latest best picks for children, teens and adults! But How Are You Really? Findings from the OPLA Psychological Safety Survey Presenter: OPLA Research & Evaluation Committee Common Room The Ontario Public Library Association’s Research & Evaluation Committee sent out a survey in 2024 designed to analyze the library community's feelings of psychological safety at work. We’ll be sharing findings from the survey focused on the experiences of small and rural libraries, which includes such topics as chronic stressors for staff, workload management, leadership expectations, career development, and psychological safety & support at work. Join us for a presentation and discussion on how the post-pandemic work climate is treating the library world—and no, “fine” isn’t the answer we’re expecting! |
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2:45-3:30pm
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Small Branch, Big Dreams: A rural public library renovation on a budget
Presenter: Vicki Stevenson, CEO, Rideau Lakes Public Library Library Main Floor Are you dreaming of a makeover at your rural library but are struggling to come up with a design that your library can afford? Learn how to pack a large amount into a small space and how to find the funds to make it happen. Vicki Stevenson from Rideau Lakes Public Library shares the multi-year experience of transforming a 2,000 square foot former police detachment office into a bright, clean and modern library branch complete with a vibrant kids area, mini MakerSpace and small meeting room. Plan the little library of your dreams into a reality! Making the most of your Library - Municipal Relationships Presenter: Brandon Fratarcangeli, Consultant, Ontario Library Service Program Room The Ontario Library Service will lead attendees through the sometimes-murky waters of municipal relationships. We will provide best practices, strategies and approaches that will mutually benefit both sides of the relationships that exist in your local settings. We will provide frameworks and structures that you can adapt and apply when things are working fantastically, and for when challenges or troubles appear on the horizon. Our primary focus for this session will be to link your roles as library staff, the board’s role in support and advocacy and the wide breath of municipal perspectives that interact with the public library’s operations. Our dynamic session plans to be equal part framework, and equal part dynamic conversation to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed and develop a finely tuned locally focused political aptitude. Ontario Public Library Accreditation: Updates to the Guidelines (tentative) Common Room |
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3:45-4:45pm
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Building Resilient Libraries: Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in Public Libraries
Presenter: Chris Moore, Director, Corporate Services and Collections, Pickering Public Library Library Main Floor In today’s digital world, libraries face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. With the rise of ransomware, data breaches, and AI-driven cyberattacks, libraries must proactively safeguard their digital infrastructure, protect the privacy of patrons, and ensure staff are cyber-aware. Participants will review best practices for developing a cybersecurity strategy that protects library resources, maintains patron trust, and complies with legal obligations such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). This presentation will be similar to the Cybersecurity presentation Chris provided at the 2025 OLA Super Conference. |
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5:30pm
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Toby Award Presentation
Library Main Floor |
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6:00pm
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Dinner
Dinner provided by Tangled Garden 2.0 Greek salad Garden salad Chicken Souvlaki Rice Penne Pesto (vegetarian) Mediterranean Tortellini (vegetarian) Pitas Tzatziki |
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7:30pm
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Social event: 90s Musical BINGO
Program Room No registration required. Come and have some fun listening to some tunes! There will be prizes! Social event: Mini Pub Crawl Meet by the first floor desk Visit some local Perth pubs all within walking distance from the library. Registration is required, email [email protected] to register by April 24, 2025. Participants will be responsible for purchasing their own drinks. Purchase of alcoholic beverages is not required to participate in this event. |
Friday May 9
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9:00am
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Doors Open
Grab a coffee and get ready for the day! |
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9:30-10:30am
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A Concise Guide to Succession Planning
Presenter: Brandon Fratarcangeli, Consultant, Ontario Library Service Common Room Succession planning is a crucial element in the ongoing progress of a public library. This session will focus on succession planning for staff and the board from the CEO’s perspective. This will be a practical presentation framed within the topics of setting context, setting realistic goals, understanding organizational needs, and best practices – complete with group discussion points and a workbook to further support your work going forward in your unique environment. Programming Trends: Open Discussion Moderated by Erika Heesen, CEO, Perth & District Union Library Program Room This will be an open discussion giving attendees a chance to share success stories and challenges in library programs. Participants are encourage to bring one success story and one question for the group. My Experiences in the Municipal Realm Presenter: Kelly Latendresse, Director of Community and Recreation Services | Library CEO, Town of Renfrew Library Main Floor Join Kelly as she delves into her 24-month journey in the municipal sector, highlighting her experiences as Acting CAO and her current role as Director of Community and Recreation Services and Library CEO. This session will provide valuable insights for public library CEOs on effectively navigating municipal dynamics, fostering community partnerships, and driving cultural and economic development. Discuss strategies that may help to enhance your library's role within the municipality and advocate for its vital services within the municipal framework. |
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10:45-11:45am
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Toby Award for Self-published Authors: A panel discussion
Panel: Peggy Blair, Author, Brenda Chapman, Author, Myriah Saulnier, Author. Moderated by Patricia Sutherland Program Room This session will discuss the difficulties an author can have getting (and staying) published these days in a rapidly changing market and why so many authors are turning to self-publishing despite all its challenges. The Celebrate, Reflect, Remember Project: A Fundraiser that connects community Kimm Culkin, Communication & Programming Co-ordinator, West Gray Library Library Main Floor The West Grey Library has been very fortunate in its in-residence talent pool, a group of local citizens (Indigenous elder, gardener, environmentalist, author/publisher and historian) who donate their time in their particular area of expertise to benefit the Library and its patrons. The Library’s historian-in-residence, Mat Johnson, has offered us the opportunity to partner with his business, Marathon of History, to make history/archive packages available to our community: small business, farm or family as a fundraiser. In this session, we’ll discuss how the arrangement works, and how it benefits everyone involved. Learn Something New: Cricut Presenters: Emily Farrell, CEO, North Grenville Public Library, Sierra Jones-Martel, Manager of Service Delivery, North Grenville Public Library Teen Area (Second Floor) Have you seen those fun, personalized mugs or tshirts online and always wanted to know how to make them? In this session, participants will learn about the capabilities of Cricut machines, how one library funded its purchase, and have a chance to try their hand at making something. If you wish to try using the Cricut, please bring a mug, waterbottle, travel mug, or similar. |
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12:00-1:00pm
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Lunch
Lunch provided by Picnic Catering “Build your own bowl” buffet: a mix of Picnic's menu items such as falafels, satay skewers, hummus, peanut sauce, veg, noodles, rice, tabbouleh etc! |
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1:00-1:45pm
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Budgeting: tips & tricks
Presenter: Emily Farrell, CEO, North Grenville Public Library Common Room Does preparing a budget give you anxiety? Do you ever question if you've budgeted the right amount for your needs? Does your library have a reserve fund and, if so, do you know how to use it? If you've answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then this session is for you. We will discuss basics of budgeting, how to budget the right amount for your needs, how to use your budget to plan for the future, and more. VolunTEENS: Turning library hours into life skills Presenter: Robin Benard, Assistant Librarian, Callander Public Library Library Main Floor This presentation will guide you through creating a dynamic teen volunteer program combining library work and career-building skills. Teens will gain valuable experience in resume writing, interviewing, and workplace communication, along with certifications in AODA, WHMIS, and Ontario Health & Safety to boost their job prospects. The VolunTEENS model benefits libraries by engaging well-prepared teens, enhancing library services, and reinforcing the library’s commitment to youth development and community support. Robin will walk you through each step of the program and provide resources developed at Callander Public Library to help you implement it in your community. Dyslexia in the Library: What to do if your patrons can’t read! Presenter: Jodie Player Delgado, CEO, Springwater Township Pubic Library Program Room Did you know that up to 20% of the population has Dyslexia? For those with reading difficulties, libraries are intimidating and frightening places. How do we make the Library a welcoming place, a place for community and connecting with resources, a place to help people of all reading abilities to learn and grow? Learn how a dyslexia friendly library is of benefit to all patrons, and how you can make your library more accessible to families with struggling readers. You will learn about the benefits of decodable books. There are many resources out there to help us! |
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2:00-3:30pm
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Sharing Success Stories: An open discussion
Moderated by Emily Farrell, CEO, North Grenville Public Library Library Main Floor Join us for an open discussion to share what has been working well at your library and hear what has been working well at other libraries. |
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3:30pm
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Closing Remarks
Library Main Floor |
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3:35pm
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Sundae Bar
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