HoOP For and about members of the OntarilaO …accessola2.com/images/infocentral/HoOPLA-Winter-2014.pdfur Downton Abbey event at London Public Library on November 19 was a great success

Last year was a whirlwind of activity for me both personally and professionally. It started with a

broken leg and a lot of time to read and reflect. I’m thankful for the technology which allowed me to participate in OPLA Council meeting from my couch. I’m thankful for colleagues who were flexible, willing and able to pick up my slack at work. And I’m thankful for the enthusiastic, creative, hardworking members of OPLA Council.

Serving as your President has been rewarding in many ways. I’m proud of what your Council has achieved over this past year. As OLA embarks on a new cycle of strategic planning, we are poised to both look back on our accomplishments and forward to new plans.

One focus in 2013 has been on governance, and as a result the Terms of Reference for our Committees have been reviewed and revised. This ensures we are working efficiently and providing you, our members, with the services and education you want.

Your Council has discussed regional networking events, in an effort to provide more connection between OPLA members.

I’m excited to see how this will develop. If you have any ideas about how this might work in your community please share them with us!

We have strengthened our partnership with OLBA and look for opportunities to advocate together for Ontario’s public libraries. A relationship with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration has been established through the Global Experience Ontario initiative. We have worked with the amazing OLA staff to evolve the Public Library Awards event, and hope you enjoy the new format.

Our Committees continue to do excellent work. As a result of an extensive survey, the Children’s and Youth Services Committee produced the Teen Benchmark report this year. The RA Committee continues to develop the core competencies, and put together another amazing RA in a Day event. A new Community Led Libraries Committee was formed this year, and will work to promote and support this revolutionary service philosophy.

We have promoted the use of The Community, the interactive section of OLA’s Web site where we can share ideas,

discuss hot topics and get to know each other a bit better.

Many special thanks to our Conference Planners who work so hard to put together the amazing program we’ve been experiencing this week. They really do make the conference “Super”!

You would not be reading this newsletter if it wasn’t for the dedication of its editor Rudi Denham. Rudi has been editing HoOPLA for the past ten years, and will be sharing her expertise, experience and wisdom with our new editor.

An organization is as strong as its members. The more you engage, volunteer and participate the more satisfaction, growth and enrichment you will receive. I’m excited for the future of OPLA and look forward to helping it grow. z

For and about members of the OntariO Public library assOciatiOn

HoOPlaWinter 2014 issn 1192 5175 suPEr cOnFErEncE EDitiOn

HoOPLA President’s MessageJoanna Aegard

Joanna Aegard, OPLA PresidentHead, Virtual ServicesThunder Bay Public [email protected]

WHAT’S NEW

Library Building Projects Index and Survey

The Index of Public Library Building Projects in Ontario is now available on the SOLS’ website.

Library staff undertaking the building of a new facility or renovating an existing one tend to seek information about recently completed building projects. Having basic facts on the size, costs, shared spaces and architects is the first step in identifying

new or renovated libraries to visit and/or to contact in order to learn more about the project. The Index provides access to records of recent public library building projects including new construction, renovations and additions. You can browse the records by library name, project type and size. In addition, there is the option to view the records according

to geographic area.To keep the Index current we will

continue to collection information on new facilities and building projects throughout Ontario, so if you completed a project in 2013 or your project is not in the index please complete the on-line form. z

OntariO Public library assOciatiOn

2 Hoopla Winter 2014

In November, the SOLS Competencies Index for Public Library Staff was published on the SOLS website. It

was compiled as a staff development tool for Ontario public libraries (based on WebJunction’s Competency Index for the Library Field).

Competencies are the skills, abilities and knowledge necessary for successful individual job performance and the successful achievement of organizational outcomes. A competencies approach to performance management has gained momentum in recent years precisely because it links individual performance

to organizational goals and strategies. The Index will appeal to individuals who want to assess their own performance in relation to their current responsibilities and/or use the competencies as a way of preparing for future positions and greater responsibilities. For libraries, the Index is an important management tool. It can be used to develop job descriptions, job ads, and performance appraisal systems, and serve as a valuable resource in anticipating and planning for staff development.

The Index comprises 5 categories – Personal/Interpersonal, Management/Leadership, Public Service, Collection

Management, and Technology. Each category includes a number of skill sets. Individuals are encouraged to browse the categories and skill sets and create a customized profile for themselves. This profile can then be used to assess and plan training based on competencies. There are also sample profiles for a supervisor and a CEO. z

Gwen Wheeler, Library Development ConsultantSouthern Ontario Library Service1-877-532-2981 or [email protected]

SOLS Competencies Index

Next Cycle of APLL Begins Fall 2014

ArOuNd THE PrOvINCE

Aimed at public library staff with leadership aspirations, with and without the M.L.I.S. degree, the

APLL Institute is designed to expand and advance the leadership capacity of public library CEOs and managers. The program combines the flexibility of online learning with highly interactive classroom sessions. At the end of the two year program, participants will have earned a Certificate in Public Library Leadership, jointly awarded by the University of Waterloo and Southern Ontario Library Service.

By the end of this cycle, the APLL Institute will have graduated 51 new and emerging leaders, poised to make a difference, ready to innovate, collaborate, and effectively navigate the municipal environment. Graduates report greater confidence, new skills and abilities, a greater awareness of the big picture and the role of the library in the community; and, in a number of cases, promotions to positions of higher authority. The third cycle of the APLL Institute begins in September 2014, with registration opening on July 14th. The registration

fee for the two year certificate program is $3,600 (plus HST) for the online courses, and meals and accommodations for the classroom sessions. For more information, see the Training section of the SOLS website: www.sols.org/index.php/develop-your-library-staff/training/certificate-programs/apll-institute. z

Anne Marie Madziak, Consultant, Southern Ontario Library Service519-649-4544 or [email protected]

Going digital in Milton

On Oct. 24 as part of Ontario Public Library Week, Milton Public Library launched the digitization

of the Milton Canadian Champion. The newspaper archive will give Miltonians full access digitized copies of the Champion dating back to 1962 and will replace the library’s microfiche. Milton’s new newspaper archive makes cultural and historical information about Milton and its people available to anyone. Explore its wealth of information and discover an extraordinary story today! For more information, visit www.mpl.on.ca/genealogy.php. z

Kari Veno, Marketing & CommunicationsMilton Public Library905-875-2665 ext. 3295

LOud in Aurora!

Aurora Public Library was untraditionally LOUD on Culture Days weekend when visitors

were invited to a Human Library event featuring Living Books who all were part of the Aurora cultural scene. Pictured are Grammy Award winning musicians, producers and composers, Norbert Kraft and Bonnie Silver, with Aurora Mayor Geoff Dawe standing behind. z

Reccia Mandelcorn, Manager, Community CollaborationAurora Public Library905-727-9494 ext. 230 [email protected]


3Hoopla Winter 2014

Being Creative at Caledon

Caledon Public Library just LOVES creativity, of ALL kinds! From Writers’ Ink – now 4 chapters

strong - to the newly formed Artful Library, the library’s mission is to inspire local artists and writers (of all calibres) to come together to create, show and share. There’s a creative outlet for everyone!

Writers’ Ink, is the group for an aspiring writer or poet at heart to join. Writers’

Ink helps develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue their writing dreams, also providing a blog that Writers’ Ink members are encouraged to read, share and post to.

Caledon Public Library’s Artful Library is an ongoing program specifically designed to showcase art in CPL all year round! Art exhibits are on display free of charge at all seven branches. Photographers, painters, sculptors and graphic designers (to name only a few) of all ages – are celebrated A

new addition is an interactive component. Local artists of all abilities are meeting on a regular basis at several branches, to share ideas, books, resources, various techniques, and works in progress. z

Laurie Groe, Communications & ProgrammingCaledon Public [email protected] ext. 231

The Mississippi Mills Public Library Board hosted an Open House on Novemver 26, 2013 to celebrate and

thank our key partners for some special projects: the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their assistance in renovations including a new roof, barrier-free accessible washrooms and entrance to the Almonte Branch; the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum together with the Province of Ontario under the Museum and Technology Fund to digitize the Almonte Gazette records; and the Elizabeth Kelly Library Foundation Inc for their support of the digitization project. As well as donating the entire DVD collection to both the Almonte and Pakenham branches, they have also contributed generously to various programmes and furniture/equipment initiatives over the years. The Mississippi Mills Public Library Board also introduced and welcomed their new CEO/Chief Librarian, Pam Harris, to the library and the community. z

Left to right: Louise Heslop (Ontario Trillium Foundation), MM Mayor John Levi, MPP Jack MacLaren, Library Board Chair Mary Lou Souter.

Celebrating upgrades at Mississippi Mills

High Tea in London

Our Downton Abbey event at London Public Library on November 19 was a great success. We started with high tea at 5:30 pm, which included guest speakers from the Stratford Festival and WQLN Public Broadcasting.

There were ladies in hats, dapper gentlemen and, of course, tea and scones. At 7 pm, a preview of Season Four of Downton Abbey was presented to a full house in our Wolf Performance Hall. WQLN Broadcasting partnered with us to bring this much anticipated season premiere to London. z

Rita Verhulst, Communications OfficerLondon Public Library519-661-5121



Seven library systems in Grey County (Blue Mountains, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Meaford, Owen Sound,

Southgate, West Grey) have sent their customers on a mystery tour.

Based on letterboxing, the Mystery Tour encourages people to visit all twelve locations, follow clues to each library to find the hidden letterboxes and collect stamps in their Mystery Tour booklet. Letterboxing, created in England in the mid 1800’s, is similar to geo-caching without the need of

a GPS unit. The other significant difference is that you don’t keep anything from the box but simply stamp your log book and put your stamp into the box’s log book.

The booklet contains a little information from each library including contact information and a clue to the hiding place of the letterbox. For libraries with more than one location bonus clues are included for each branch. Customers must find the seven primary letterboxes (one from each system) before they may complete the ballot to win a

Samsung Galaxy Tablet.Letterboxes will remain in the library after

the month long celebration and are listed on Atlasquest.com so visitors from around the world may complete the series.

This collaboration of libraries is a fun way to celebrate libraries during Canadian Library Month and Ontario Public Library Week. z

Cindy Weir, CEOOwen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library

“read with Gisèle” in Timmins

On Saturday October 19th, 2013 the Timmins Public Library had a special guest, Gisèle from

TVOKids Gisèle’s Big Backyard, read a story to an enthusiastic young audience. Gisèle was on tour around the province sharing her love of reading, and some lucky children were able to meet her after the story ended. Sponsorship for this project provided by TD Bank, the Ontario Library Association, and TVOKids. z

Karina Douglas, Reference LibrarianTimmins Public Library705-360-2623 ext. 8532

The Digital Human Library (dHL) connects teachers and students with organizations all over the

world through virtual library visits. In 2013 the dHL connected the Exeter Branch of the Huron County Library with local schools.

Using a simple webcam, Branch Manager Jenni Boles gave a presentation to two schools simultaneously, which took roughly 20 minutes. It reached over 520 students and teachers!

Library resources and programs were promoted via Powerpoint, video footage, and live interaction with the students. In the weeks following a dHL presentation, the branch can always count on an increase in new library visits, library card

registrations, and requests for computer assistance from students and their families. This is similar to what happens after a regular class visit, but on a much larger scale.

Working with Leigh Cassell of the dHL and the Avon-Maitland District School Board has been a win-win for everyone involved. From the school’s perspective, the virtual field trip allows them to provide students with experiences that may not be cost effective otherwise. The library can be “visited” without the expense and time required for bussing.

From the library’s point of view, dHL allows the branch to provide outreach to a large number of children in a relatively short amount of time. While it is an

adjustment to learn to present on a screen rather than in-person, the experience can have a huge impact and gives library staff the ability to share more details than with a traditional class visit.

For more information check out OLA session #609 at the Super Conference, or visit these websites: www.digitalhumanlibrary.com, www.huroncounty.ca/library. z

Jennifer Zoethout, Branch Services Librarian Huron County Library519-482-5457 ext. [email protected]

Grey Libraries Celebrate Ontario Public Library Week with a Mystery Tour

digital Human Library at Huron County Library, Exeter Branch


5Hoopla Winter 2014

Welland opens New diamond Trail Branch

Welland Public Library opened a new branch library at Diamond Trail

Public School on September 3rd. This new branch is a partnership between the Welland Public Library Board and the District School Board of Niagara. This type of partnership between a public library and a school board is the first of its kind in the Niagara Region.

Planning for the new branch library began after the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) announced the closing of two schools and the decision to build a new facility, amalgamating the closed school populations. The Library Board approached the DSBN, recognizing the potential of meeting the need to provide library service to an area of Welland that is underserved by municipal services.

Furnishings and shelving were purchased collectively between the two partners. The new facility functions as the school library during school hours, run by school staff and as a public library after school and on weekends, run by library staff. The public hours are Monday to Thursday, 3:30 – 8:00pm and Saturdays, 11:00am – 3:00pm.

The Diamond Trail Branch Library offers the complete range of public library services including a collection of over 14,000 volumes serving all ages in both English and French. z

Mallory Lauder, Community Relations CoordinatorWelland Public Library905-734-6210 ext. [email protected]

The Rainy River Public Library has taken home the 2013 Excellence Award for Partnership and

Community Capacity presented by Ontario Library Service-North for “Birding Buddies at the Library” project.

“We couldn’t be happier,” says Library CEO Michael Dawber. “This award represents more than three years of hard work by the Library Board.”

Located at the northwestern tip of Ontario, 225 km from Winnipeg, Rainy River is one of Ontario’s top birding destinations. More than 300 species of birds are found here, many of them Prairie birds — like pelicans and magpies

— seldom seen in Ontario.The Birding Buddies project created

six family-friendly bird-watching kits, including binoculars, field guides and a custom checklist of local birds. The kits are part of the circulating collection and are available for a free, three-week loan.

The project was funded by the Ontario Healthy Communities Fund and delivered in partnership with the Rainy River Recreation Board. z

Michael Dawber, CEO/LibrarianRainy River Public [email protected]

A few thousand local residents came out to celebrate Burlington’s newest community facility,

home of Alton Branch Library, Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School, and the Haber Community Centre on Saturday, November 23, 2013.

In her welcoming comments, Burlington Public Library CEO Maureen Barry had this to say: “The Alton Branch has been years in the making and we are thrilled to welcome everyone in Burlington to see your new library. The space was designed with every generation in mind and there is endless potential for escape, discovery

and exploration of new ideas. The staff team is energized and has lots of ideas for making special connections in this new neighbourhood.

“We know Burlington residents love their public library and we are proud to share with the community this wonderful new addition to our city-wide library system. I think public library and school board staff have succeeded in creating a space and a feeling that makes for a perfect ‘happily ever after’ for generations to come!” z

Community Celebration rocks North Burlington

rainy river wins award for “birding buddies”



read Free: Sharing a Good Experience

Adults with special needs meet each week for an hour of stories, activities, and fellowship in this

new book discussion group at Burlington Public Library’s Brant Hills Branch.

Rosemary Minnella, Brant Hills team leader, initiated the program after hearing about a discussion group for special needs adults in the United States that was set up like a book club. A few modifications to meet local needs and a partnership with Community Living Burlington and their dedicated staff resulted in the Read Free discussion group, which is the first of its kind in Ontario.

A pilot program was launched in May 2013 and Read Free sessions became open to the public in October. Participants sign up for a 12-week period; two weekly sessions run with a maximum of eight group members.

Every member is encouraged to read aloud to the group, take part in the discussion, and do a craft. Read Free respects the abilities and limitations of all members within a safe and supportive group environment.

The program is free and open to adults with special needs who are able to participate without the help of a caregiver.

Read Free promotes adult literacy, inclusivity, and volunteerism—and is a great example of how community partnerships can make a real difference to people. As well as linking the library and Community Living, area colleges are involved. Social science students from Ryerson University, Sheridan College, and Mohawk College conduct the sessions as valuable, meaningful work placements.

Burlington Public Library is committed to helping break down social and learning barriers in the local community, and proud to accompany adults with developmental disabilities into the wonderful world of reading through Read Free.

At the official launch of Ontario Public Library Week on October 21, the Honourable Minister Michael Chan announced that Read Free is a 2013 short list nominee for the Angus Mowat Award for Excellence presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. z

Makerspace Coming to Ottawa Public Library in 2014!

The Ottawa Public Library and the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa are working together to launch a

“makerspace” that will feature not only inspiring technology but also a variety of programming, seminars and workshops. The space, known as IMAGINE SPACE will be located in the Ottawa Public Library’s Nepean Centrepointe branch, and is scheduled to open in spring 2014.

OPL is working with community mentors with expertise in areas such as 3D printing, video and music editing, photography, electronics, robotics, programming, physical arts, crafts, human-computer interaction, video game design, self-publishing, and hobbies of every stripe. Our makerspace will inspire life-long learning and facilitate knowledge creation by inviting skilled individuals in every field to demonstrate and share their expertise.

OPL’s makerspace will be the first fully public “making” facility in Ottawa, providing customers with a safe, comfortable space to collaborate, learn, and create unique digital and physical artistic works.

In its customer engagement campaign IMAGINE, launched earlier this year, OPL found strong community interest in new technologies and tools, hands-on learning,

and creation. This space responds to that need and also allows innovators to meet, cooperate, socialize, and network face-to-face. From the seeds of this campaign we have been able to take this idea from imagination to creation.

More information about this initiative is available at www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca/ImagineSpace z

Sherry Lalonde, Public Service AssistantOttawa Public [email protected]

How To…Fair At vaughan Public Libraries

Vaughan Public Libraries’ first ever How To…Fair drew a big crowd to the Pierre Berton Resource Library

on Saturday, Oct. 19. The fair showcased the incredible passions, interest and talents from the Vaughan community. From how to knit or crochet, how to make pottery, to how to recreate ancient Roman mosaics, and how to do Tai Chi, everyone who came to the event learned something new and interesting, many found new hobbies! z

Karen Yang, Marketing and Communications AssistantVaughan Public Libraries 905-653-READ ext. [email protected]

Many families and children enjoyed the Ronald McDonald storytime at Pembroke Public Library.


7Hoopla Winter 2014

New CEO at Mississippi Mills

The Mississippi Mills Public Library Board welcomed Pam Harris, new CEO/Chief Librarian in October,

2013. Pam completed her MLIS in 2003 from the University of Western Ontario and began her library career with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library as the Children and Teen Services Librarian. While at KFPL she spanned a variety of services from Children and Teen Services to Librarian, Rural Branches and Services to Collection’s Librarian. Her achievements include the building of a teen space at the Isabel Turner branch as well as refurbishing several rural branches. z

Pam Harris, CEO/Chief LibrarianMississippi Mills Public [email protected]

Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library Staff retirement

Debbie Smith of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library has retired after 31 years of service. Debbie

was a friendly and familiar face in the

Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library for 13 years. Previously she worked for the Toronto Public Library system for 18 years. We will miss her and wish her all the best in retirement. z Beth Ann Labelle, Program Services CoordinatorNiagara-on-the-Lake Public Library905-468-2023 [email protected]

Welcome and Farewell in Burlington

Welcome: In January, Amanda Wilk joins Burlington Public Library in her new position

as Community Librarian, Youth. Marco D’Andrea joins Burlington Public Library in his new position as Service Librarian.

Farewell: Susan Fitzgerald-Bell, Manager, Neighbourhood Branches, retires in December after 25 years of public service at Burlington Public Library. Susan worked as a reference librarian before becoming the first Branch Head of Tansley Woods Branch in 1995. She has been in her current position since 2007, in addition to being a member of

the Brant Hills Branch design team, and serving as the project manager for the new Alton Branch for the past four years. We wish Susan a fun-filled and carefree retirement, trotting the globe with husband, Brian Bell. z

Lauren Arkell, Coordinator, Communications Burlington Public Library905-639-3611 ext. 1121

Stephen Hanns Is retiring

Stephen Hanns, Manager of Public Services at the Welland Public Library has announced his

retirement as of December 31, 2014. Stephen has worked at the WPL for 32 years in various roles but more recently in the role of Manager of Public Services. All the staff and many patrons at WPL are sad to see him leave, but happy for him as he moves on to the next chapter in his life. z

Mallory Lauder, Community Relations CoordinatorWelland Public Library905-734-6210 ext. [email protected]

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

Amber McNair, Central East region

I am the Youth Services Librarian at Huntsville Public Library. HPL is a one branch library that serves a town

approaching 20,000, the largest community in the District of Muskoka, which through reciprocal borrowing, serves all residents

of Muskoka. In addition, the population of Muskoka may triple during part of the year with cottagers and visitors. I plan and facilitate programs for children and teens; select materials for children and YA collections; create web content; market programs and events among other responsibilities.

The concept of joining the OPLA Council was at the recommendation of a colleague who was the councillor for the Central East region. Being new to the profession, I was nervous about this role, while excited to meet librarians from all over Ontario representing different sized libraries and library systems. After filling in for one year, I decided to run in the election in 2012 and am fortunate to be able to continue on in this role.

During the past two years as OPLA councillor, I have been the liaison between the OPLA Council and the

Children & Youth Services Committee. Through council and committee meetings, as well as tasks in between, I have learned and been a small part of initiatives offered by OPLA. I always look forward to meeting with, and learning from, fellow OPLA council members and OLA staff who all have rich and varied expertise. It has been a rewarding experience and I look forward to my remaining two years of involvement in this capacity.

I would encourage new library workers to volunteer with OPLA and put your name forward when opportunities arise. Possible opportunities include: OPLA Council, as a Kickstart to Participation recipient or councillor; writing an article for HoOPLA; the Children & Youth Services Committee; the RA Committee; the OLA Super Conference; the Forest of Reading and much more! z

OPLA COuNCILLOr PrOFILE



HoOPLAOntario Public Library Associationa division of the Ontario Library Association2 Toronto Street, 3rd FloorToronto, Ontario M5C 2B6Tel: 416-363-3388 or 1-866-873-9867www.accessola.com/opla

HoOPLA describes the decisions and activities of OPLA leadership, explains OPLA program and provides news of interest to Ontario public libraries.

HoOPLA EditorRudi Denham, CEOSt. Thomas Public Library

HoOPLA designAnnesha HutchinsonMarketing & Communications Co-ordinatorOntario Library Association

Next issueIf you’re an OPLA member, look for the next issue of HoOPLA in your inbox in early May. Deadline for submissions is April 15 to editor Vanessa Holm at [email protected]. © Copyright 2014, Ontario Library Association. All rights reserved.

Lisa MoranPresident 2014Toronto Public Library [email protected] Joanna Aegard2013 PresidentThunder Bay Public [email protected]

Sandi LoponenVice President/President-Elect Elgin County [email protected]

Jesse robertNorthwest Region Thunder Bay Public [email protected]

Elizabeth rossnagel Northeast Region Sault Ste Marie Public [email protected] Elizabeth GoldmanEastern Region Perth and District Union Public [email protected]

Amber McNairCentral Region East Huntsville Public [email protected]

Chantale BoileauMid-Central Region Barrie Public Library [email protected] Maureen JohnsonCentral Region West Hamilton Public Library [email protected]

Karen Scott Southwest Region Woodstock [email protected] Eda Conte-PitcherToronto Toronto Public [email protected]

Jeff Bennett Kickstart to ParticipationWhitchurch-Stouffville Public Library

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It’s Forest of Reading® time again!Receive discounted rates with your current membership! Join/renew

today at www.accessola.com/membership Questions? Email: [email protected]

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Documents

HoOP For and about members of the OntarilaO …accessola2.com/images/infocentral/HoOPLA-Winter-2014.pdfur Downton Abbey event at London Public Library on November 19 was a great success