BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//BCLA - ECPv6.17.5//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://bclaconnect.ca
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for BCLA
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Vancouver
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:MST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261026T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261026T200000
DTSTAMP:20261009T173546Z
CREATED:20261009T170440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T173546Z
UID:10000023-1793039400-1793044800@bclaconnect.ca
SUMMARY:Introduction to Governance in BC Public Libraries: Part 1 – Context and Accountability for Library Boards
DESCRIPTION:The BC Library Trustees Association is excited to launch this new resource to support public library trustees in their governance roles. 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 members \nRegister Here\nLearning Outcomes:  Build a foundation for your role as a public library trustee. This introductory session explores the values and legal framework that guide library boards\, with a focus on intellectual freedom\, funding and public accountability. Participants will examine their responsibilities as trustees and how the board’s strategic oversight differs from the library director’s day-to-day management. \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://bclaconnect.ca/event/introduction-to-governance-in-bc-public-libraries-part-1-context-and-accountability-for-library-boards/
CATEGORIES:Governance,Leadership,Public Library Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bclaconnect.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/ceb7bFRcGZxdY97HsS10hSFnG2PT3ptSpHjIKnld.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Trustees Association":MAILTO:execdir@bclta.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261112T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261112T150000
DTSTAMP:20261007T200851Z
CREATED:20260914T213218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T200851Z
UID:10000019-1794492000-1794495600@bclaconnect.ca
SUMMARY:Read Local BC BookBlast! Adult titles
DESCRIPTION:The Read Local BC BookBlast! is back and this presentation will focus on brand new and upcoming adult 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\, or simply love to read\, 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://bclaconnect.ca/event/read-local-bc-bookblast-adult-titles/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Collections
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bclaconnect.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/BCBookBlast-graphic-2-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Association":MAILTO:prodev@bcla.bc.ca
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@bclaconnect.ca
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://bclaconnect.ca/event/read-local-bc-bookblast-kids-youth/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Children's Services,Collections,Teen Services
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bclaconnect.ca/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:20261124T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261124T200000
DTSTAMP:20261009T173054Z
CREATED:20261009T170529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T173054Z
UID:10000024-1795545000-1795550400@bclaconnect.ca
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://bclaconnect.ca/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://bclaconnect.ca/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
UID:10000021-1795600800-1795604400@bclaconnect.ca
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://bclaconnect.ca/event/critical-ai-programming-in-libraries/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence,Public Library Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bclaconnect.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/HannahCyrus-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261202T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261202T120000
DTSTAMP:20261008T215418Z
CREATED:20260728T183158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T215418Z
UID:10000007-1796207400-1796212800@bclaconnect.ca
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. \nRegistration Coming Soon! \nCost: Free of charge thanks to the BCOHRC\, offered virtually on Zoom \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://bclaconnect.ca/event/misinformation-can-you-stop-it/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Misinformation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bclaconnect.ca/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:20261209T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261209T111500
DTSTAMP:20261007T172338Z
CREATED:20260811T195204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T172338Z
UID:10000012-1796810400-1796814900@bclaconnect.ca
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://bclaconnect.ca/event/whats-ahead-in-ai-signal-noise-and-the-coming-year-for-libraries/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Artificial Intelligence
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://bclaconnect.ca/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:20270113T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20270113T151500
DTSTAMP:20261009T185557Z
CREATED:20261009T185557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T185557Z
UID:10000025-1799848800-1799853300@bclaconnect.ca
SUMMARY:Beyond Burnout: Brave Conversations around Resilience and Sustainable Librarianship
DESCRIPTION:Popular advice for avoiding burnout often involves a focus on personal care actions outside of work. But if the workplace is what’s getting you down\, are there ways to continue to enjoy the activities that drew you to the profession in the first place? \nThree librarians from vastly different work contexts\, offer possibilities for library workers to try\, drawing on their experiences building professional community and connection outside of their daily duties\, workplace constraints\, and politics. In the process\, they’ve increased resilience\, support\, and joy in their jobs\, even though difficult workplace realities continue. \nJoin Caitlin MacRae (Adult Programming Librarian\, New Westminster Public Library)\, Lisa Nathan (Professor\, University of British Columbia)\, and Rebekah Adams-Brush (Supervisor\, Children’s and Teens Department\, New Westminster Public Library) to learn from their experiences and contribute to the conversation. \nRegistration coming soon! \nThis workshop was originally offered at the 2025 BC Library Conference.
URL:https://bclaconnect.ca/event/beyond-burnout-brave-conversations/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Mental Health & Wellness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bclaconnect.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Beyond-Burnout.png
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Association":MAILTO:prodev@bcla.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20270421
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270424
DTSTAMP:20261009T180035Z
CREATED:20260813T172659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T180035Z
UID:10000013-1808265600-1808524799@bclaconnect.ca
SUMMARY:2027 BC Library Conference
DESCRIPTION:BCLA is proud to offer the annual BC Library Conference\, which has a long history of progressive\, nuanced and inspiring speakers and presentations. We strive to provide engaging opportunities to learn from and contribute to the important work being done in the library sector\, focusing on our province but including important and emerging ideas and practice at the national and international levels. \nThe 2027 Conference will take place at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel\, on the territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and other hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (hun-ki-meen-um) speaking people\, in Richmond. \nCall for proposals will open in the fall of 2026 \nDelegate registration will open in early 2027 \nRegister to Sponsor \nRegister to Exhibit
URL:https://bclaconnect.ca/event/2027-bc-library-conference/
LOCATION:In-Person
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://bclaconnect.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2027-conference-w-border-5002-x-2684-px-4900-x-2684-px-scaled.png
ORGANIZER;CN="BC Library Association":MAILTO:prodev@bcla.bc.ca
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR