Canadian Librarianship News Updates
In response to the decision by Meta, the parent company for Facebook and Instagram, to end news availability on its platforms in Canada, this page has been created to ensure we can continue to share news articles on topics and issues of interest to the Canadian librarianship community.
We will be posting links to articles to this page and sharing this page to our groups on Facebook.
To suggest additions or updates to this page, e-mail info@librarianship.ca
September 20, 2023
Armed person call sends Niagara Regional Police to Welland Public Library
Welland man allegedly found to be carrying black Airsoft pellet handgun
Employee Feature: Jennifer Thiessen
Jennifer Thiessen joined Brock over 20 years ago as a student intern. She is now Head of Teaching and Learning for the Brock Library.
Metroland has laid off hundreds of people including dozens of journalists who covered local issues. Experts say less eyes and ears on the ground means residents may not get the accurate information they need.
Midland library receives $24K grant from federal government
Library will use money to ‘invest in expert guidance and systems to build on the fundraising and development skills’ of board, leadership
Peel school board focused on replenishing after library ‘weeding’ process criticized
Peel District School Board says it is focused on replenishing resources in its libraries while reviewing training after its so-called “weeding process” was criticized.
September 19, 2023
The missing book situation has undermined future equity efforts, Peel parent David Bosveld believes. Because of the backlash, it will make it more difficult for schools and libraries to remove overtly racist and offensive books, he said.
September 18, 2023
Culling school library books and why it matters
Some school libraries in Peel removed every book published before 2008 until the Education Minister told them to stop. Anita Brooks Kirkland, Chair of Canadian School Libraries, weighs in with callers on why this is such a heated debate.
Western librarians and archivists could strike on Oct. 4
Western’s 44 librarians and archivists could go on strike Oct. 4 if they do not reach a new collective agreement with the university.
September 17, 2023
How to curate a democratic school library
Citizens of Peel need to consider guiding principles for the curation of school libraries and that means reflecting on what those libraries are for.
Recent challenges mimics what is happening in America, often looking to remove readings on the topic of gender identity, sexual orientation, or race
September 16, 2023
Sudbury Symphony Orchestra partners with library to bring books to life
Members of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra are partnering with the Greater Sudbury Public Library to bring books to life with eight musical performances.
These drag performers say protests, threats won’t stop them from reading to kids at storytime events
Drag performers who read stories to children at libraries across Canada have faced an increase in protests calling the events destructive for kids, and in some cases, even threats of violence. But the king and queens say they won’t let that stop them, because storytimes are about joy and literacy.
September 15, 2023
La construction de la nouvelle bibliothèque de Saskatoon retardée
Le projet de construction de la nouvelle bibliothèque publique de Saskatoon (SPL) a été retardé. Dans un communiqué de presse publié jeudi, l’organisme indique que les offres reçues à la fin du mois d’août dépassent « le budget du projet ».
Metroland to cease print publication of dozens of community newspapers across Ontario
Metroland Media Group, the Toronto Star’s sister company, has sought bankruptcy protection and will cease the print publication of its weekly community newspapers across Ontario, moving to an online-only model.
Protest: Closure of library is ‘disturbing’ for local students
‘The board should know that students are suffering from this. It’s not just the workers and the council; it’s the students that are in between them,’ says protest organizer
Construction work was supposed to start this fall on new library; opening now likely pushed back to late 2027
Saskatoon’s Central Library project bringing onboard construction consultant to tighten expectations
Saskatoon Public Library CEO Carol Cooley spoke on Friday about the Central Library project delays. “Bids came in higher than expected and we will bring on a construction manager to pursue redesign options”
Toronto Public Library piloting virtual interview rooms for job seekers
The Toronto Public library has been offering customers job searching tools for several years, from the basics like access to the internet to career coaching and eLearning programs on LinkedIn.
What a drag story time is and why it matters
With increasing hate and harassment directed at drag performers in the last year, a Sudbury, Ont., drag queen is sharing their story to help foster understanding and acceptance.
September 14, 2023
Construction on new central Saskatoon library delayed due to costs
Construction on Saskatoon’s new downtown library has been delayed after bids for the project came in over its $134 million budget.
Des bibliothécaires d’une ville en Ontario en grève depuis plus de 50 jours
La petite ville de Bradford West Gwillimbury au nord de Toronto se tourne vers la Commission des relations de travail de l’Ontario pour mettre fin à la grève de ses employés de bibliothèque, qui a commencé en juillet.
Libraries must be curated, not culled with abandon
The reported culling of books published before 2008 at the Peel District School Board raises questions about the educators involved
Peel school board faces calls for transparency on library ‘weeding’ process
Students and a national library association say a school board west of Toronto needs to be more transparent about the so-called “weeding” of its libraries amid concerns some books are being removed from collections solely because they were published before 2008.
These library workers are fighting for $1.35 more per hour. Their Ontario town is fighting back
Library workers in Bradford West Gwillibury have been striking for more than 50 days, one of the longest library strikes in Ontario history.
September 13, 2023
Banning books could be next in Saskatchewan education wars
Despite claims that is responding to concerns from Saskatchewan residents, it appears the province’s government is being told what to do.
Confusion over school board’s library book purge
Parents and students are questioning the decision of the Peel Regional School Board, just outside Toronto, to toss thousands of books because of a policy requiring librarians to toss books that are in poor shape, were published before 2008 or aren’t considered inclusive
Des milliers de livres retirés des bibliothèques d’écoles près de Toronto
Des élèves et des parents se plaignent de la politique d’épuration de livres du Conseil scolaire public anglais de la région de Peel en banlieue de Toronto.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce orders Peel school board to stop throwing out books
Trustees, parents and the minister of education were pointing fingers Wednesday over who is to blame for half-empty library shelves at Peel public schools in the wake of a rapid book purge that included Anne Frank’s ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ and Harry Potter series.
Several Peel District School Board students, parents and community members are concerned about a seemingly inconsistent approach to a new book weeding process intended to ensure school library books are inclusive, but that appears to have led some schools to remove thousands of books published in 2008 or earlier.
Ontario education minister asks school board to halt library book removal process
Ontario’s education minister has asked a school board west of Toronto to immediately stop its so-called “weeding” of school libraries after concerns were raised about how it was carrying out the process of assessing and removing older books.
September 9, 2023
Bonnyville Municipal Library turns 60
“I wonder if those first library members imagined the library as it is today. Not just books, but computers, STEAM kits, digital resources and more. If they realized the library as an all-access pass to the world.”
When homelessness rises, barriers to mental health-care persist, and social supports thin, the myriad issues facing Canada’s cities inevitably show up in one of the last truly public spaces.
London’s library is now a hub for ancestral research, and it’s free
London Public Library’s central branch helps people to research their family roots using FamilySearch in The London Room on the third floor.
Naming of new library building stirs debate on council
Airdrie city council requested a workshop session be held to come up with a name for the community’s new library and cultural centre during its meeting on Sept. 5.
September 8, 2023
Western librarians and archivists take next step toward possible strike
UWOFA-LA have began bargaining a new collective agreement with Western, where negotiations have stalled. The union has requested a “no-board” report and can legally strike 17 days after the report
September 7, 2023
In a former monastery, dozens of boxes hold the hidden history of Quebec lesbians
The Lesbian Archives of Quebec hold the hidden stories of lesbians in the province — from brunches and communes to a wedding between women in 1942.
Town councillors agree to move downtown library, consider hotel or housing for Centennial Square
Former post office site will be home to a new Oakville Central Library, as the town studies using some of its downtown land for residential development.
September 6, 2023
Library staff could increase with move to new Bracebridge facility
Mayor Rick Maloney called the library a “generational project,” which needs “staff support so that the community gets the best out of its investment.”
‘Totally untrue’: Bradford mayor refutes library union claims
‘Strike is about a council and a mayor that has made up their mind that they will do whatever it takes to ensure that these workers do not get a fair wage increase,’ says union
September 4, 2023
Kirkland Lake library revamp $100K away from its goal
The Town of Kirkland Lake needs to raise another $100,000 to upgrade the children’s department at the library. If the $600,000 goal is reached, renovations at the Teck Centennial Library would likely begin in the winter of 2024.
September 2, 2023
Child literacy: Boosting reading at home
Jodi Nickle, a professor from the Department of Education at Mount Royal University, joins Global News Calgary to discuss child literacy in Alberta and tips to get your child reading.
Banning books and sheltering readers from things they are experiencing anyway does nothing to prepare kids for what our world really looks like
Midland library getting hydroponic tower thanks to grant
The Midland Public Library received a Smart and Caring grant from the Huronia Community Foundation’s Environment and LabX funds.
A new CSIS ad campaign is using Soviet-style imagery to warn Canadians about disinformation
Canada’s spy agency is leaning on Soviet imagery to help prime the public against disinformation, but experts say Moscow is more likely to use images that make readers think the messaging is coming from North American sources.
Popular seed-sharing program at Edmonton Public Library comes to an end
“The interest was there; it was huge, lots of demand for the seeds. Ultimately, we found the demand was so high that the library just couldn’t keep up.”
Public library see increase in usage, programming and funding in 2022
Thunder Bay’s public libraries saw notable increases in people attending programming, applying for library cards and using available services in 2022 compared to previous years.
September 1, 2023
Drag protester denies wrongdoing in alleged assault, claims wide-ranging conspiracy
A woman under investigation for assault following a scuffle outside a Drag Storytime event says she believes she is fighting “a spiritual battle between good and evil.”
Windsor Public Library is eliminating overdue fines. Here’s why
Windsor Public Library put a pause on overdue fines in 2020. Now the library board has decided to continue that policy change indefinitely — effectively eliminating late fees.
A year after Vancouver Public Library eliminated fines, here’s how many books are now overdue
Waiving late fees represents hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in lost revenue, but library officials say this story has a happy ending.
August 31, 2023
Overdue fines dropped for kids at North Bay Library
Beginning tomorrow the North Bay Public Library will no longer be charging late fines for material borrowed from the Children’s Department.
August 30, 2023
Editorial: Yorkton library stays put — what’s next
So, with the library secure where it should be, it’s time to gather the diverse users together and plot a course to preserve and expand programming.
Flashback: Wayne and Shuster go inside the CBC vault
In a segment from a training film, the comedians visit a little-seen department of the national broadcaster: the CBC Film Library
Windsor Public Library to stop charging late fees
The Windsor Public Library’s board of directors approved ending late fees and will waive all outstanding fines.
August 29, 2023
‘Anti pride’ protester arrested at drag storytime event in Kamloops: RCMP
RCMP say a protest at a drag storytime event for children at a library in the B.C. Interior over the weekend has resulted in one arrest and an investigation into reports of a separate assault at the scene.
Arbitration won’t solve Bradford library labour dispute: union
‘Instead of providing fair wages, they’re spending yet more library funding on a lengthy legal fight,’ says local president
August 28, 2023
AI companies are using copyrighted works to train their systems. The lawsuits are just getting started
August 27, 2023
This London librarian is spreading the joy of reading with her passion for fashion
Linda Ludke has a special knack for matchmaking, but it’s not in the world of romance. She’s paired about 100 children’s books with her quirky second-hand fashion finds.
August 26, 2023
Blue Mountains Public Library Board looking for a new library CEO
Current CEO Dr. Sabrina Saunders has resigned her position and will be leaving in the fall due to health concerns and relocating.
August 25, 2023
‘A central resource’: Burlington Public Library launches digital local history archive
The Burlington Public Library (BPL) officially launched the Burlington Digital Archive on Aug. 23. The new online portal houses the digitized local history collections of Burlington Public Library, the Burlington Historical Society and the City of Burlington.
Library board applies for arbitration to end 36-day strike
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library workers have been on strike since July 21 when negotiations came to a head
TNRL announces the launch of a tiny library located in Aberdeen Mall
The Thompson-Nicola Regional Library has announced it will be opening a small, temporary library location inside Aberdeen Mall this fall.
August 24, 2023
Library to focus on literacy, engagement, reconciliation
St. Albert Public Library is looking to build on past efforts to improve early childhood literacy, community engagement, and reconciliation, according to a new strategic plan.
North Shore libraries recognized with six awards
It was a clean sweep for the North Vancouver District Public Library and West Vancouver Memorial Library at this year’s ALA PR Xchange Awards
Okanagan Regional Library forgiving late, damaged returns
“The last thing we want is for anyone to be concerned about library holds, returns, and lost or damaged items. The well-being of our patrons and staff remains our top priority.”
Another Ontario watchdog is taking a closer look at the province’s Greenbelt changes after an audit found political staff deleted records and used personal accounts to email lobbyists about the protected area.
Smiths Falls library gets go-ahead from municipal heritage committee for various changes
The Smiths Falls Public Library received support from the municipal heritage committee, or MHC, to make certain changes in relation to their extensive renovations.
August 23, 2023
Archivists race to save Toronto history from acidic doom
Two archive collections held in Toronto are slowly being eaten away by a chemical reaction, but archivists are painstakingly working to save the material from destruction.
Chinguacousy Library re-opens in ski chalet in Brampton
As recently as last month, no one quite knew when Brampton’s Chinguacousy Library would reopen, but it appears it has settled into its new home for now
Gabrielle-Roy : « une bibliothèque réinventée »
Cuisiner, louer des instruments de musique, assister à un spectacle, voir un film, jardiner : la nouvelle bibliothèque Gabrielle-Roy promet aux citoyens de Québec «une programmation culturelle foisonnante» et des services qui vont bien au-delà de la traditionnelle location de livres.
Lincoln Pelham Library receives grant for bookmobile
The Lincoln and Pelham Public Library (LPPL) has been awarded $25,000 by Desjardins Financial Services in support of a bookmobile project.
August 22, 2023
The federal government rejected a plan to reform Canada’s ailing access to information regime, and instead, against the advice of bureaucrats, embarked on a limited internal review that produced no substantive change.
August 21, 2023
Brighton Public Library branches out with new stick library
The main branch of the Brighton Public Library now includes a stick library for dogs.
Ground broken on Airdrie’s future library, multi-use facility
Starting a new chapter on a story that’s been years in the making, the City of Airdrie finally turned dirt on its new library on Aug. 21.
The parental rights Trojan Horse
Parental rights are a dog whistle for regressive politics that harm and bully LGBTTQ+ students and community members.
Why the smell of vinegar shut down a Toronto library’s historical newspaper archive
The Toronto Reference Library is working to save rare pieces of its historic newspaper collection from ‘vinegar syndrome’ — a destructive and contagious chemical decay process that means the clock is ticking for anyone trying to preserve history stored on acetate film.
August 20, 2023
Canadian media trained audiences to use Facebook. With Meta blocking news, what’s next?
Canadian news publishers haven’t given up hope that Meta will lift a ban on Canadian news, but in the meantime, they’re scrambling to draw audiences directly to them.
Shelf help: St. Catharines library removes books to make space for the future
Library officials say despite fewer items on the shelves, the overall collection size has grown with digital and physical offerings to more than 1.5 million items.
August 18, 2023
Bradford library labour negotiations break down
‘This is not about the money; this is about council making a point that they just don’t have any care for the female-dominated jobs in this town,’ says union president
Bradford library workers continue strike, rejecting latest offer
The latest contract offer presented to striking library workers in Bradford West Gwillimbury has been rejected by the union.
Essa Township library transforms into community hub
“There is an increased demand for entertainment, social connection and for safe spaces.”
August 17, 2023
Library expands use of social workers to Barton Branch
Social workers have been so busy at the Hamilton Public Library’s (HPL) Central Library that the program designed to help connect vulnerable residents with city services is being expanded to the Barton Branch.
London Children’s Museum now $2M closer to relocation in city’s east end
The Canadian government announced $2 million in funding Thursday to support the move and expansion of the London Children’s Museum.
Relief felt for some, but not all, following resolution on Yorkton library location
Call it another chapter of the ongoing library controversy — but a decision has been made on the future of the Yorkton Public Library.
August 16, 2023
‘It’s about respect’: Bradford library, union return to bargaining table
Today marks Day 27 of the strike, which makes it one of the longest library worker strikes in Ontario history, says union
Breslau is finally getting its own full-service library
A new full-service Region of Waterloo Library branch will provide the community of Breslau with services they have wanted for at least two years
Yorkton library to remain downtown after building sale falls through
In a private meeting earlier this week, city council learned the sale fell through because of ‘environmental issues’ related to a former SaskPower diesel plant in a nearby parking lot.
August 15, 2023
Despite protest, drag queen storytime event a source of pride, Headingley librarian says
Winnipeg drag queen Miss Assuma Gender had never seen protesters show up outside one of her events prior to Saturday, but she’s glad a family-friendly storytime event at a Manitoba library went well despite heated protests outside.
Yorkton Public Library move cancelled after buyer backs out
The Yorkton Public Library will be staying put after the proposed sale of its current location fell through.
August 14, 2023
Depot or station? Proposal to change Craigleith museum’s name chugs forward
The Blue Mountains Public Library, which operates the Depot as both a museum of local history and a library branch, recently requested that the name of the facility be changed from the Depot to Craigleith Station.
An open letter to the community from Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library CUPE 905 Workers
Striking library workers ‘disheartened’ by town, CEO
August 13, 2023
Cambridge Idea Exchange needs $400k worth of emergency window repairs
With multiple large windows breaking and posing a danger to occupants of the Queen Square Idea Exchange, the city is looking at replacement ‘as soon as possible’
The $400,000 project will be funded from the Canada Community-Building Fund, formerly the Federal Gas Tax, which has an uncommitted balance of $1,334,400.
August 12, 2023
Meta’s removal of Canadian news impacting Indigenous media and communities
One independent Indigenous news organization in Canada says it will have to find new ways to reach its audience after Meta removed it from its platforms in response to new federal legislation, while a group representing 8,000 people in Kahnawà:ke says it can’t post community updates anymore.
Library eliminates late fines for those 24 and under
Living independently, with difficult class schedules, managing new job responsibilities and coping with other stressors is part of life — and Halton Hills Public Library is offering a fresh start for individuals in such phases.
Old is new: Simcoe County archives getting makeover
‘All of this will improve the rate at which records are processed, arranged and described, and made available to the public,’ said county archivist of $1.6M project
August 11, 2023
Books overdue? Library ending late fines for readers aged 18 to 24
Allowing young adults to borrow materials without the risk of fines encourages them to use the library more often and makes visits less stressful, Halton Hills Public Library says
‘I’m angry’: Striking Bradford library workers vow to keep fighting
‘We don’t want to be out here. I want to go back to work. I have kids to support,’ says frustrated worker; union says they would return to bargaining upon a new offer
Library helps put together pieces of genealogy puzzle
Kingston residents can register for 30-minute Zoom session with librarian, where they can ask questions, or discuss problems they’re facing in search.
Plans call for a permanent library in Breslau
The basement level of the Breslau Community Centre is slated to become the home of a permanent library in the village. The Region of Waterloo plans to open the facility in February, subject to approval from its library committee next week.
Quebec’s only LGBTQ2S+ library gets $5,000 donation
Located inside Montreal’s LGBTQ+ Community Centre, the Open Book Library is believed to be the only LGBTQ+ library in Quebec. This Pride week, Amazon Canada donated $5,000 to the community centre.
August 10, 2023
Canadian writers can’t afford to write non-fiction anymore – and that’s a problem for all of us
If we stop publishing new work about our history, we risk forgetting who we are as a country, Charlotte Gray writes
Free hygiene products available at some Toronto library branches through The Personal Care Bank
You can now find personal care items at some Toronto Library buildings after TPL teams up with the Personal Care Bank.
New CEO Richard Bee begins work at Fort Frances Public Library
Last week, Richard Bee began his new position as the chief executive officer (CEO) at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre (FFPLTC). He officially began his permanent contract on August 2, 2023, and says things have been going well so far.
Audit finds 800 items missing from Canadian history museum, no plan to deal with it
An investigation by Canada’s auditor general found the Canadian Museum of History’s conservation system is putting its collections at risk.
August 9, 2023
Breslau pushing for permanent public library
The push continues in Breslau for a permanent public library.
The Township of Woolwich currently has a satellite branch in the Breslau Community Centre (BCC), however the community is hoping for standalone facilities like in Elmira and St. Jacobs.
August 7, 2023
Memory kits for people with dementia now available at Halifax libraries
Memory kits, which include games, books and activities to help people with memory loss and dementia, are now available at the Halifax Public Libraries.
N.L. NDP calls on government for increased library funding as digital usage rises
Newfoundland and Labrador’s NDP is giving the provincial government a failing grade for its handling of the public library system, but despite years of frozen funding and rapid inflation, it looks like the libraries’ financial circumstances will stay cool.
August 4, 2023
Vancouver librarians caught in the middle of the culture war
The Vancouver Public Library is not immune from the culture war. According to a list for the period of January 2022 to June 2023, released under freedom of information law, library users filed 17 challenges to books and one CD.
National archives to digitize, transfer 6 million pages of Indian day school records, official says
Canada’s national archives is working to identify, digitize and transfer six million pages of federal Indian day school records to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, enough paper to fill “multiple tractor trailer loads completely packed with pages,” one official says.
U of G cuts $2 million from library operating budget
Budget reduction will result in a number of operational changes, including cancelled subscriptions, collapsing vacant positions and using time slots for services
Ontario NDP leader lends support to Bradford’s striking library workers
‘Somebody has to wake up, whether it’s the CEOs at Loblaws and Metro or the folks at city hall in communities like this,’ said Marit Stiles while supporting local library workers
August 3, 2023
The department says this closure will allow it to re-allocate resources to meet growing demand for digital information management services, but librarians and researchers worry that pandemic shutdowns were a first step towards further closures.
August 2, 2023
Union, town offer up details behind stalled Bradford library talks
New details provide a peek behind the curtain of stalled labour negotiations at the Bradford library, where workers walk the picket line for the 13th straight day Wednesday.
Both the CEO and the union representing workers at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library provided separate messages on Tuesday, ahead of a closed meeting of council set to discuss library labour relations.
Video: Say farewell to Chinguacousy Library with a flashback to Bramalea Civic Centre in the ’70s
The Chinguacousy Library branch has shut its doors for the last time at the Bramalea Civic Centre, but the Peel Archives is giving residents one last blast from the past with a look at the centre when it first opened in the ’70s.
August 1, 2023
Just over three years after moving to a permanent fine-free model, the Calgary Public Library has seen tens of thousands of users return to use its services. Circulation of materials is up and renewals have increased by nearly 50 per cent.
