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DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261118T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261118T120000
DTSTAMP:20261023T154821Z
CREATED:20261023T154821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T154821Z
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SUMMARY:NNELS Webinar: What's New with the Victor Reader Stream?
DESCRIPTION:HumanWare has released an update for the Victor Reader Stream 3\, containing new features and bug fixes. Join us to learn about the changes and how they can improve the experience of reading content from the National Network for Equitable Library service (NNELS) catalogue using the Victor Reader Stream 3. \nVisit our webinar page for more information on upcoming events.
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/nnels-webinar-whats-new-with-the-victor-reader-stream/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Accessibility,Collections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NNELS_Webinar_Cover.png
ORGANIZER;CN="National Network for Equitable Library Service":MAILTO:megan.sellmer@bc.libraries.coop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261119T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261119T150000
DTSTAMP:20261007T201757Z
CREATED:20260914T213721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T201757Z
UID:10000020-1795096800-1795100400@stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud
SUMMARY:Read Local BC BookBlast! Kids & Youth
DESCRIPTION:The Read Local BC BookBlast! is back and this presentation will focus on brand new and upcoming children & youth titles (fiction and nonfiction) published here in BC. \nSarah Felkar (Executive Director of Books BC) is our host and will provide a CataList resource for easy book ordering details while publisher reps provide a whirlwind of book talks. \nWhether you are involved in collections development\, recommending book titles for children & youth\, or simply love to support BC books\, this should be a fun and informative session. \nRegister Today! \nThis event is free of charge thanks to a partnership with the Association of Book Publishers of BC (Books BC). \n 
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/read-local-bc-bookblast-kids-youth/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Children's Services,Collections,Teen Services
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Book-blast-kids.png
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Association":MAILTO:prodev@bcla.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261124T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261124T123000
DTSTAMP:20261023T172649Z
CREATED:20261023T172649Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T172649Z
UID:10000055-1795512600-1795523400@stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud
SUMMARY:BCALS Knowledge & Ideas Exchange 2026
DESCRIPTION:Registration is open for the BCALS Knowledge & Ideas Exchange 2026 event! \nDon’t miss out on the opportunity to hear about exciting work that’s being done at other institutions in BC and to participate in important discussions on professional topics. \nThis is also a great space to present new initiatives\, solicit support or feedback on challenges you are facing\, or test out material for an upcoming conference with a group of peers. As a presenter you can register to lead a lightning talk (7minutes)\, presentation (20minutes)\, workshop (10-30minutes) or lead an open discussion (20-30minutes). Please consider adding your voice to this event! \nRegistration Link \nThe event link will be sent by Monday\, November 23rd\, 2026 \nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nThis event is coordinated by the BCALS Continuing Education Coordinators   \nAna Lee\, Douglas College \nNicoletta Romano\, University Canada West \nSam McConnell\, Richmond Public Library
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/bcals-knowledge-ideas-exchange-2026/
LOCATION:Virtual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/BCALS-logo.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261124T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261124T200000
DTSTAMP:20261009T173054Z
CREATED:20261009T170529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T173054Z
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SUMMARY:Introduction to Governance in BC Public Libraries: Part 2 – Role Clarity and the Successful Governance Team
DESCRIPTION:Join the BC Library Trustees Association for Part 2 of our newly launched Introduction to Governance in BC Public Libraries resource. Developed through engagement with library directors\, trustees and the Province of BC\, it provides core learning for new trustees and a valuable refresher for experienced board member. \nLearning Outcomes: This webinar explores how library boards and library directors work together\, with a focus on clear roles\, effective delegation and strong working relationships. Through examples from BC libraries and guided discussion\, participants will explore: \n\nGovernance fundamentals\nRole responsibilities\nDifferent board models\nBoard as an employer\n\nRegister Here\nAudience: Trustees & Library Directors \nPresenter: Christina De Castell Consulting.  Christina\, former Vancouver Public Library Chief Librarian and current CFLA Executive Director\, is a leader in library policy and advocacy in Canada and internationally. She has 25 years of experience spanning public libraries\, public sector organizations\, and library associations.
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/introduction-to-governance-in-bc-public-libraries-part-2-role-clarity-and-the-successful-governance-team/
CATEGORIES:Governance,Leadership,Public Library Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ceb7bFRcGZxdY97HsS10hSFnG2PT3ptSpHjIKnld-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Trustees Association":MAILTO:execdir@bclta.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261125T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261125T110000
DTSTAMP:20261005T155427Z
CREATED:20260917T200544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T155427Z
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SUMMARY:Critical AI Programming in Libraries - Q&A with Hannah Cyrus
DESCRIPTION:Hannah Cyrus\, Digital Media Librarian at Bangor Public Library in Maine\, will give a brief presentation about the creation and implementation of her popular “Avoiding AI” programs\, which teach patrons what generative AI is\, how it works\, what the major concerns are with it\, and how to disable AI functions on different devices and platforms. \nAfter sharing information about the ethos and logistics of running critical AI programs\, such as having Management on board\, Hannah will take questions from attendees\, both submitted in advance and asked live\, and host a discussion among participants about issues related to critical AI literacy in libraries of all sizes and types. \nConsider viewing Hannah’s free webinars from Niche Academy in advance including “Refusal as Instruction: Breaking Up with Big Tech” and “Refusal as Instruction: Talking to Patrons about AI” (live on September 30th) or reading her article from Information Technology and Libraries\, “Refusal as Instruction.” \nRegister Today!\nPresenter: Hannah Cyrus (she/her) is a reference librarian with a focus on technology instruction and digital privacy. Her work often centers around patrons concerned about their accounts or devices being compromised\, overwhelmed with junk email and spam phone calls\, and concerned by the ubiquitous creepiness of online surveillance capitalism. She is a member of the Library Freedom Project\, and recipient of the 2026 Jim Campbell Intellectual Freedom Award from the Maine Library Association. \n 
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/critical-ai-programming-in-libraries/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence,Public Library Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/HannahCyrus-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261126T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261126T130000
DTSTAMP:20261023T155051Z
CREATED:20261023T155051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T155051Z
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SUMMARY:Demystifying Print Disabilities & Copyright: An Overview for Libraries & Alternate Format Producers
DESCRIPTION:Presented by Laurie Davidson\, Executive Director\, CELA and Daniella Levy-Pinto\, NNELS Manager\, National Network for Equitable Library Service. \nThe exceptions in the Copyright Act for persons with perceptual or print disabilities (section 32) recognize fundamental rights in the copyright regime\, such as the rights to access works\, education\, and cultural participation. Libraries\, alternate format producers\, and educators work hard to ensure accessible content is available to users with perceptual or print disabilities by producing and distributing works in the alternate formats their users need. Understanding and navigating the requirements set forth by the Act is not always easy; confusion about what is allowed\, and fear of getting it wrong\, can create real barriers to content. \nThis presentation introduces “Accessible Content: A Guide to the Canadian Copyright Act on Searching for Accessible Formats and Producing and Distributing Alternate Format.” The guide addresses common misconceptions and offers practical best practices. The presentation will cover key copyright considerations in alternate-format production\, explain how the guide was developed\, and review its guidelines.
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/demystifying-print-disabilities-copyright-an-overview-for-libraries-alternate-format-producers/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Accessibility,Collections,Intellectual Freedom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NNELS_Webinar_Cover-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="National Network for Equitable Library Service":MAILTO:megan.sellmer@bc.libraries.coop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261202T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261202T120000
DTSTAMP:20261020T205142Z
CREATED:20260728T183158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261020T205142Z
UID:10000007-1796207400-1796212800@stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud
SUMMARY:Misinformation: Can you stop it?
DESCRIPTION:Misinformation spreads quickly – sometimes faster than the truth – and libraries are often the first places its impacts show up. This session provides language\, framing and approaches participants can use to support library users\, friends and family members in navigating the often-overwhelming challenges associated with misinformation.  \nThe session introduces key content from the BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner “Misinformation Minibites.” These virtual learning sessions focus on what misinformation is\, why it is sometimes difficult to identify\, how it impacts human rights and democracy\, and what we can all do to identify and stop it’s spread. The Minibites are on offer as resources for library workers to utilize and share with library patrons. \nThe session also highlights projects developed by community amplifiers to raise awareness of and take action on issues related to misinformation. It was originally offered at the 2026 BC Library Conference and is part of the Conference Virtual Reboot series. \nCost: Free of charge thanks to the BCOHRC\, offered virtually on Zoom \nRegister Today! \nWho should attend: Library workers interested in tools for handling misinformation and supporting their patrons\, whether in programs\, reference conversations or front-of-house dialogue \nPresenters: Joel Harnest & Jocelyn Wong of BCOHRC \nNote: The BCOHRC will be hosting this event on Zoom through their own platform\, but BCLA’s Online Community Guidelines still applies.
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/misinformation-can-you-stop-it/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Misinformation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/bcothrc-logo.png
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Association":MAILTO:prodev@bcla.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261208T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261208T120000
DTSTAMP:20261023T154916Z
CREATED:20261023T154916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261023T154916Z
UID:10000054-1796727600-1796731200@stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud
SUMMARY:Getting Festive with the NNELS Collection
DESCRIPTION:The holiday season is approaching fast! The NNELS catalogue features many holiday-themed titles in accessible formats. Join us for an exploration of our festive collection\, where we will guide you through finding some great winter reads. You will also learn about organizing group activities like reading\, games\, and puzzles that are accessible to everyone.
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/getting-festive-with-the-nnels-collection/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Accessibility,Children's Services,Collections,Public Library Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NNELS_Holiday__Webinar_Cover.png
ORGANIZER;CN="National Network for Equitable Library Service":MAILTO:megan.sellmer@bc.libraries.coop
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261209T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261209T111500
DTSTAMP:20261007T172338Z
CREATED:20260811T195204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T172338Z
UID:10000012-1796810400-1796814900@stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud
SUMMARY:What's Ahead in AI: Signal\, Noise and the Coming Year for Libraries
DESCRIPTION:Every few months brings a new wave of AI announcements\, and it can feel like the ground shifts before you’ve had a chance to stand on it. This keynote takes a breath. Avery Swartz looks back at how AI has changed libraries over the past few years\, separates the developments that mattered from the ones that didn’t\, and offers her read on what’s coming in the year ahead. Expect a candid look at the hype cycle\, a few predictions to keep an eye on\, and a reminder that a library’s judgement about what serves its community is still the most valuable thing in the room. \nOutcomes: \n\nLearn to tell the difference between a capability shift in AI and marketing noise\nLeave with a short list of things to watch in the year ahead\, and the reasoning behind each\nBuild confidence in evaluating your library’s AI use\n\nRegister Today!\nCost: We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Housing & Municipal Affairs\, which enables us to offer our BCLA Year-End Keynote speaker free of charge. \nWho should attend: Library workers at any comfort level with AI\, including skeptics \nPresenter bio: Avery Swartz is an acclaimed tech educator and best-selling author. She is the founder and CEO of Camp Tech\, which has been delivering practical tech and AI skills training since 2012. She is also co-lead of AI Skills Lab Canada\, a national program bridging the AI gender adoption gap for women and non-binary entrepreneurs. Avery works with arts and culture organizations\, public libraries\, museums\, and nonprofits across Canada\, including the National Arts Centre and the Stratford Festival\, to adopt AI with confidence. Avery is the resident tech contributor on CTV Your Morning and is regularly heard on CBC Radio. She also hosted the AI Meets World podcast from Microsoft and The Globe and Mail Content Studio. \nBCLA events are all Pacific Time\, hosted online via Zoom\, which includes closed captioning. If you have any accessibility needs to attend these sessions\, please contact Natalie Porter\, BCLA Professional Development Coordinator in advance and BCLA will do our best to support you. \nBCLA expects anyone attending to honour the Online Community Guidelines\, to help create a positive environment that values accountability\, respect\, and a willingness to learn from each other.
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/whats-ahead-in-ai-signal-noise-and-the-coming-year-for-libraries/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Avery-Swartz-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Association":MAILTO:prodev@bcla.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20270118T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20270118T190000
DTSTAMP:20261103T191145Z
CREATED:20261103T191145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261103T191145Z
UID:10000060-1800295200-1800298800@stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud
SUMMARY:Trustee Circle – Master the Art of Wearing Two Hats: A Guide For Elected Officials Serving As A Trustee
DESCRIPTION:Balancing elected office with library trusteeship? You’re not alone in this challenge. Join Anne O’Shea\, Principal Strategist at Craft Strategic Solutions\, to explore BCLTA’s guide for elected trustees. Born from real conversations with seasoned elected officials\, board chairs\, and chief librarians\, this session will cover:\n\n\nLearning Outcomes: By the end of the session\, participants will: \n\nStrategies to navigate the complexity between representing constituents and championing library needs\nBest practices for effective orientation\, participation\, and to foster collaboration\n\nAudience: This session is suitable for elected officials serving on municipal and public library association boards\, board chairs\, new and continuing library trustees\, and library directors. \nPresenter: Anne O’Shea\, Principal Strategist at Craft Strategic Solutions.  She has spent more than 20 years in public and non profit organizations leading teams\, facilitating planning processes\, and designing and managing services. She is passionate about helping people and making a difference. \nDate: Monday January 18th\, 2027 \nTime: 6:00pm to 7:00pm \nRegister Here
URL:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/event/trustee-circle-master-the-art-of-wearing-two-hats-a-guide-for-elected-officials-serving-as-a-trustee/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Governance,Public Library Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://stg-httpsbclaconnectca-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/bclta-logo-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Trustees Association":MAILTO:execdir@bclta.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
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