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bcla.bsky.social
BC Library Association
@bcla.bsky.social
230 followers 230 following 52 posts
BCLA is the professional association for library workers and libraries from all library sectors in British Columbia.
bclaconnect.ca
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Reposted by BC Library Association
bc.libraries.coop
"Accessibility is about doing the work up front to identify and remove barriers for people who have specific disabilities." - Kevin Millsip, Executive Director BC Libraries Co-op.

Find a video transcript in Word & PDF format: bclaconnect.ca/accessibilit...

#accessibility @bcla.bsky.social #library
vimeo.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:57 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Happy holidays from BCLA!
A snow lantern with a glowing candle inside against a dark blue background of trees and snow, with the message "Hoping your holidays include many small moments of beauty, light and peace. From all of us at BCLA"
December 19, 2025 at 11:10 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Our final event for 2025 will be hosted by Shirley Chan called “AI Workshop Design for Newcomers in Public Libraries” on Thurs. December 11th. Learn how such workshops increase ethical AI use and strengthen the public library as an inclusive community hub. Register today! tinyurl.com/ainewcomers
On a light blue background the text says "AI Workshop Design for Newcomers in Public Libraries. Hosted by: Shirley Chan Coquitlam Public Library. Thursday, December 11th, 10am - 11:30am PDT Virtually on Zoom.' There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development Program. There is a headshot of Shirley, who is a young Asian woman with mid-length dark hair, wearing glasses, earrings and a necklace with colourful beads. She wears a coral coloured ruffled blouse and a pink cardigan. She is smiling.
December 1, 2025 at 9:07 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Nick Tanzi is our Year-End Keynote speaker, and we hope you can join us next Wed. December 3 at 10am PDT for his talk called "Future-Ready Youth: Preparing our patrons to navigate the Age of AI." Register today! bclaconnect.ca/resources/co...
On a light blue background, the text says "Future-Ready Youth: Preparing our patrons to navigate the Age of AI, presented by Nick Tanzi, The Digital Librarian. Wednesday, December 3rd, 10:30am - 11:15am PDT on Zoom." There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development program. A headshot of Nick is included. He is a white, middle-aged man, with a trim dark beard and hair. He is wearing a white button-up dress shirt and Nick is smiling.
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
bcla.bsky.social
The Public Library Accessibility Working Group is hosting three sessions (December 2 - 4), depending on the size of your library, to introduce the "Accessibility Assessment Framework for Library Spaces." Follow the link for more detail and registration. bc.libraries.coop/about/access...
The text says, "Accessibility Assessment Framework for Library Spaces. Dates: Small Library Session: Tuesday, December 2, 2025; Medium Library Session: Wednesday, December 3, 2025; Large Library Session: Thursday, December 4, 2025. Time is 1pm - 1:45pm PDT. Location is virtually on Zoom, hosted by the Public Library Accessibility Working Group." There is a photo showing four people working in an office with white brick walls. They are all seated as desks, and one woman is seated in her wheelchair. The people are having conversations, while working on their laptops.
November 21, 2025 at 5:55 PM
bcla.bsky.social
We hope to see you next Wed. Nov. 26th for the Becoming Anti-Ableist workshop at 10am with Elisabeth Walker-Young and Shawna Lawson of Inclusive Experiences. This session is “grounded in lived experiences and principles of disability justice.” Register today! tinyurl.com/inclusiveexp...
On a light blue background the text says 'Becoming Anti-Ableist. Hosted by Elisabeth Walker-Young & Shawna Lawson of Inclusive Experiences. Wednesday, November 26th, 10am - 11:30am PDT on Zoom.' There is an image in a graphic style of three people in a parade. Two are walking and one person is in a wheelchair. The colour scheme is purple, blue, black, beige, and white. There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development program.
November 19, 2025 at 8:04 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Calling all library leaders! BCLA has extended the deadline for mentors to consider offering their expertise in the 2026 Mentorship Session until Nov. 21st. Please consider this opportunity! For more detail and the "Expression of Interest" link, visit our webpage: bclaconnect.ca/mentorship/2...
On a blue background, text says 'Calling all Library Leaders! Be part of the BCLA 2026 Mentorship Program. Expression of interest deadline: Friday, November 21st.' There are two logos, for the British Columbia Library Association and Mentorship Program. There is a photo of two women in a library, holding books, having a conversation. One is older with short white hair wearing a yellow shirt and glasses, and one is younger with dyed auburn hair in a bun wearing a red blouse and gold hooped earrings.
November 13, 2025 at 10:30 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Next week, Wed. Nov. 19th, Accessibility Librarians Kelsey Chaban and Rachel Chong of Kwantlen Polytechnic will present "Braille Printing: Accessible University Library Services" at 12:30pm. Learn how your campus library can reduce barriers and offer equitable service. tinyurl.com/brailleprint...
Text says, 'Braille Printing: Accessible University Library Services presented by Kelsey Chaban and Rachel Chong. Wednesday, November 19th, 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT on Zoom.' There is a photo of an office space with a large Braille printer sitting on a desk next to a computer and screen. There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Provincial Professional Development program.
November 12, 2025 at 6:15 PM
bcla.bsky.social
We are hosting the panel "Approaches to Intellectual Freedom Instruction at Canadian Library Schools" with Dr. Toni Samek, Dr. Mahdi Ganjavi and Dr. Cameron Pierson on Tues. Nov. 18th at 10am. Learn about their approach to teaching IF and best practises. Register today tinyurl.com/libraryschoo...
On a light blue background the text says, 'Intellectual Freedom Instruction at Canadian Library Schools, presented by Dr. Toni Samek, Dr. Mahdi Ganjavi, and Dr. Cameron Pierson. Tuesday, November 18th at 10am - 11:30am PST, 1pm - 2:30pm ET on Zoom. There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development Program. The three speakers have headshots included. Toni is a middle-aged white woman with mid-length dark blond hair. She wears a black top, a scarf in blue and green, and a necklace. Mahdi is a middle-aged man with a dark complexion, he has short black hair, wears glasses, and wears a blue button-up shirt, with a linght pink tie. Cameron is a young white man, with short brown hair, wearing a gray button-up shirt, and gray cardigan.
November 3, 2025 at 6:19 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Register today for "Why Do Human Rights Matter for Emerging Technologies like AI?' with Dr. Wendy H. Wong, author of "We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age." Join us on Thurs. Nov. 6th at 2pm PDT via Zoom for a talk that emphasizes the role of public libraries. tinyurl.com/DrWendyWong
On a light blue background, the text says 'Why do human rights matter for emerging technologies like Ai? with Dr. Wendy H. Wong. Thursday November 6th, 2pm-3:30pm PDT on Zoom.' There is a photo of Wendy, an Asian woman with mid-length dark hair to her shoulders. She is smiling, standing in front of a beach shore, wearing a yellow short-sleeved blouse, pearl necklace and black pants. The cover of her book is next to her called "We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age." There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development program.
October 30, 2025 at 3:29 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Reminder that Climate Action Week begins across Canada, Nov 1 - Nov 7! Please @ us with your climate literacy activities and we can re-post your hard work for all to see. #ClimateActionWeek

For more details, please visit: bclaconnect.ca/climateactio...
Climate Action Week | Climate Action Week
Climate Action Week is returning! Saturday, November 1 – Friday, November 7, 2025 Join libraries and other GLAM organizations across Canada to focus on the climate change related challenges and emerge...
bclaconnect.ca
October 27, 2025 at 7:49 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Register today for "Misinformation and Public Libraries" on Wed. Oct. 29th with Deb Hutchison Koep, Devon Greyson, and Leigh Anne Palmer. The spread of false information is a formidable threat - this session will explore how public libraries can approach this growing challenge. tinyurl.com/bclaevent
The text is on a light blue background. It says 'Misinformation and Public Libraries presented by Deb Hutchison Koep, Devon Greyson, Leigh Anne Palmer. Wednesday October 29th at 2pm - 3:30pm PDT on Zoom.' There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and professional development program. There is a simple graphic of a woman with short hair pointing to a document with a green check mark, not a document with a red X.
October 20, 2025 at 8:32 PM
bcla.bsky.social
There's still time to register for "Indigenous Data Sovereignty and AI" with Kristin Kozar of the Hwlitsum First Nation on Thurs. October 9th at 2pm. Learn how digital archives and tools like AI can advance Indigenous data sovereignty, as well as the risks. Register today!
tinyurl.com/bclaseriesAI
On a light blue background text says 'Indigenous Data Sovereignty and AI with Kristin Kozar. Thursday October 9th, 2pm-3:30pm PDT on Zoom.' There is a headshot of Kristin who is a middle-aged Indigenous woman. Her long hair is loose on one shoulder, she is smiling, wearing beaded earrings and necklace, and a black blouse. There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development program.
October 6, 2025 at 6:20 PM
bcla.bsky.social
We're excited to (re)introduce the BCLA Accessibly Interest Group. Share knowledge, strategies and connect on issues related to accessibility in libraries. Find out more!
bclaconnect.ca/blog/introdu...
Introducing the BCLA Accessibility Interest Group | BCLA
On behalf of the BCLA Board, I’m pleased to introduce the BCLA Accessibility Interest Group! This group was inactive, but Rachel Chong has stepped forward to restart it. The Accessibility Interest Gro...
bclaconnect.ca
October 2, 2025 at 5:42 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Happy Library Month!🥳
small butterfly, flying below the words "Canadian Library Month"
October 2, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Reposted by BC Library Association
bc.libraries.coop
B.C. libraries are vital hubs for learning, connection, and opportunity. Sustained funding is key to keeping services like digital access and literacy programs strong!

Read the full @vancouversun.bsky.social article:

vancouversun.com/opinion/colu...

#libraries #community @bcla.bsky.social
Public libraries aren't just a place to borrow books — and B.C.'s are at a 'breaking point'
Fumano: Without provincial funding keeping pace with local government funding, library directors say they're struggling
vancouversun.com
August 29, 2025 at 5:49 PM
bcla.bsky.social
We hope that you can join us via Zoom on Wed. October 1st for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim Language Revitalization in the Public Library to learn how your library can better support local Indigenous communities... register today! tinyurl.com/registerbcla
On a light blue background, an image from the West Vancouver Memorial Library shows their language learning kit. The text (which this platform won't translate with correct accenting) says 'Skwxwú7mesh Sníchim Language Revitalization in the Public Library presented by Tsitsáyxemaat Rebecca Duncan and Kendra Sakamoto. Wednesday, October 1st, 10:30am - 11:30am PDT on Zoom.' The image includes three logos for West Vancouver Memorial Library, British Columbia Library Association, and their Professional Development program.
September 3, 2025 at 5:06 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Khari Wendell McClelland is a dynamic presenter, hosting our next workshop: "Facilitation for Community Transformation" on Thurs. Sept. 4th at 10am PDT on Zoom. We'll learn about values-based creative solutions and the 9 pillars of facilitation. Register today. tinyurl.com/KhariWendell
On a light blue background text says, 'Facilitation for Community Transformation with Khari Wendell McClelland. Thursday, September 4th at 10-11am PDT on Zoom.' There are logos for BCLA and the Professional Development program. And a colourful cover design for the toolkit is included. Khari's headshot photo shows him, a young black man wearing a pageboy hat, white collar, black shirt and jacket.
August 5, 2025 at 6:38 PM
bcla.bsky.social
We’re pleased to announce that Kaetrena Davis Kendrick @kaetrena.bsky.social is hosting the Library Workplace Morale Renewals Colloquium on Thurs. July 17 at 11am on Zoom. This session is based on her extensive research on low morale and includes a Q&A. Register today! bclaconnect.ca/resources/co...
On a light blue background, the text says, 'Library Workplace Morale Renewals Colloquium with Kaetrena Davis Kendrick. Thursday, July 17, 11am-12:30pm PDT on Zoom.' There is a headshot of Kaetrena who is a Black woman wearing glasses and a black blouse. She is smiling and has her hair in a braided wrap. There are three logos. The Renewals Colloquium, the British Columbia Library Association, and the Provincial Professional Development program.
July 3, 2025 at 4:46 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Our next virtual presentation is "Embracing Disability: Practical Advice for Accessible Library Programming" with Jessica Desormeaux and Denise Scott of @celalibrary.bsky.social on Wed. July 9th at 10am-11am PDT. Register today!! bclaconnect.ca/resources/co...
On a blue background the text says, 'Embracing Disability: Practical Advice for Accessible Library Programming. Wed. July 9th, 10am-11am PDT on Zoom.' There is a cartoon-style image of four people meeting in a library. There are three logos for Centre for Equitable Library Access, British Columbia Library Association and the Provincial Professional Development program.
June 23, 2025 at 2:30 PM
bcla.bsky.social
Next week, Fiona O'Connor the Senior Services Specialist in Digital Initiatives at Toronto Public Library will be presenting "AI & Libraries: Shaping the Future of Services" on Wed. June 11th at 11am - 12:15pm PDT and we hope you can attend! Register today. bclaconnect.ca/resources/co...
AI and Libraries with Fiona O'Connor | BCLA
bclaconnect.ca
June 5, 2025 at 9:47 PM
bcla.bsky.social
There's one week left to register for the workshop "Creating a Change-Friendly Library Culture" on Wed. June 4th at 10am PDT on Zoom with Anne O'Shea of Craft Strategic. Learn how to foster openness to change and confidently lead your team. Register today!
bclaconnect.ca/resources/co...
Creating a Change-Friendly Culture | BCLA
bclaconnect.ca
May 28, 2025 at 3:44 PM
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Registration for the 2025 BCLA AGM is now open - join us on June 18th at 6pm! bclaconnect.ca/blog/registe...
Register for the 2025 BCLA AGM | BCLA
The BC Library Association is pleased to announce its upcoming virtual Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 18 at 6pm. Registration is open until Sunday, June 15 at midnight. You must be a BCLA m...
bclaconnect.ca
May 27, 2025 at 6:25 PM
bcla.bsky.social
This Friday, May 30th at 10am - 11:15am PDT, Scott Hargrove CEO of Fraser Valley Regional Library is offering a special presentation on the Impact of Tariffs on BC Libraries via Zoom. Register today!
bclaconnect.ca/resources/co...
Impact of Tariffs on BC Libraries | BCLA
bclaconnect.ca
May 26, 2025 at 6:26 PM
bcla.bsky.social
There's still room to register for our upcoming AI event on Thursday, May 22 at 1:30 PDT with Rich McCue from University of Victoria. The session is designed as a gentle introduction to Generative AI Research Basics.

bclaconnect.ca/resources/co...
Generative AI Research Basics | BCLA
Presenter:  Rich McCue is the Digital Scholarship Commons Manager at the University of Victoria. Description: This session is designed as a gentle introduction to Generative AI (GenAI) as well as bein...
bclaconnect.ca
May 20, 2025 at 4:58 PM