Beyond Hope 2025: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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10:00am PDT

In the Cloud: Elevating Streaming Music Collections for Library Patrons LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Room 207, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

Description of music librarianship and patron services, overview of streaming music platforms available to libraries, how to get the most out of music services for library patrons, and a description/tour of UBC's music collection

Speakers

David Haskins

Music Librarian, Music, Art & Architecture Library, University of British Columbia

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 207, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

Regular Session, Collections

10:00am PDT

Pay No Attention to the Bot Behind the Curtain: ChatGPT for Library Work Demystified FILLING

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library

AI isn’t magic, but it can feel like it when used well. This session will explore how ChatGPT can help with programming, marketing, administration, and more—freeing up time for the creative, people-centered work that makes libraries special. We’ll cover practical tips, common mistakes, and real-world examples so you can make ChatGPT work for you. No spells required!

Speakers

Cari Lynn Gawletz

Library Director, Grand Forks & District Public Library

Cari Lynn Gawletz has over a decade of experience in various public library roles and is currently the Library Director of the Grand Forks & District Public Library and the Chair of the Association of British Columbia Public Library Directors.

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Information Technology

10:00am PDT

The Aberdeen Tiny Library: Not Just for Munchkins LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Room 201-202, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

After many years of searching for a South West location in Kamloops, the TNRL settled upon a small lease in the Aberdeen Mall as a trial to see if the area would support a third Kamloops library. In a case of wait and hurry up, the library went from concept to opening in three short months! In concert with RFID self check technology, the 253 square foot spot has proven that small libraries can do big things. Join Mike to explore the quick start up, new technology, collection decisions, and community connection approach to the Aberdeen Tiny Library’s success.

Speakers

Mike Brown

Branch Head, Aberdeen Tiny Library / Thompson-Nicola Regional Library

After growing up on a farm and driving very large things for a living, Mike came to the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library 17 years ago, first as the Driver, then the Branch Head of the Bookmobile/Mobile Library with short stints as Branch Head of the Chase and Merritt libraries. Mike... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 201-202, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L5T6

Regular Session, Facilities

10:00am PDT

The Mobile Response Team: Supporting Frontline Library Workers in an Ongoing Toxic Drug Crisis LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Room 208, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

The Mobile Response Team (MRT) offers psychosocial support, education, and consultation to organizations and agencies working within British Columbia’s toxic drug crisis public health emergency. The MRT was created with support from the BC Ministry of Health in recognition of the psychosocial impact of the toxic drug crisis public health emergency on frontline workers, people with lived experience/peers, and first responders. In communities where libraries are often providing supports to vulnerable populations, library workers can navigate unique challenges in regards to the ongoing crisis. Session will provide an introduction to MRT’s services and discuss ways in which some library workers are uniquely positioned as frontline workers within their communities.

Speakers

Alexis Redenbach

Crisis Intervention Specialist, Mobile Response Team, Provincial Health Authority

I am a Crisis Intervention Specialist with the Mobile Response Team. As the coordinator for supports for Frontline Workers across Northern BC, my goal is to identify the unique ways in which communities are navigating substance use related harms. We define frontline work broadly... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 208, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Health & Safety

10:00am PDT

What Was New Is Old Is New Again: The Return of the Co-Op Gaming Experience FULL

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Teen Area, Prince George Public Library

Libraries are continually evolving third places for the communities they serve, and one vital way in which libraries have developed as third places for people from all backgrounds is through gaming. Though one may assume in 2025 that these gaming experiences are purely digital or electronic, there is now a growing return to older ways of gaming – whether old in terms of time since its inception or a gaming medium viewed as only for those of an older age – what was new became old and is now new again. This session will explore the use of video games, analogue gaming such board games to jigsaw puzzles, to pen & paper games such as Dungeons & Dragons or the daily crossword, and how the inclusion of these tools into your library spaces fosters cross-generational social development.

Speakers

Christopher Knapp

Branch Librarian, London Public Library

Christopher Knapp, a PhD LIS Student at Western University, has been conducting ongoing research on the topic of providing access to information for LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families via collection development and professional behavior standards since 2016. Prior to starting his... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Teen Area, Prince George Public Library 888 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Programs & Events

11:15am PDT

Building Anti-Racism Resources to Support Learners LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Room 207, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

Explore what the SD57 District Learning Commons has built to support anti-racism education in Prince George. We will have samples of our kits and novel sets available and will be sharing about our process to build them and how they can be adapted for other institutions.

Speakers

Joseph Jeffery

District Learning Commons Teacher-Librarian, School District 57

Joseph Jeffery is the District Learning Commons Teacher-Librarian in School District 57 – Prince George, BC where he supports teacher-librarians in creating and maintaining information literacy rich library learning commons programming, designing participatory and flexible learning... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 207, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

Regular Session, Collections

11:15am PDT

Restorative Practice: A Philosophy and Practical Approach for Libraries LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library

This introductory session will explore how Public Libraries can implement Restorative Practices to achieve our mandate as learning institutions. Restorative practices are both a philosophical perspective and a series of practical processes. At it’s heart, restorative practice is the art of having difficult conversations and turning bad situations into good learning opportunities.
A brief overview of the history, philosophy and science behind restorative practice will be offered. Library staff who have participated in formal Restorative Justice Circles will have an opportunity to share their experiences.

This session will also feature contributions from staff of the Prince George Urban Aboriginal Justice Society.

Speakers

Toby Mueller

Library Director, Lillooet Area Library Association

Toby Mueller is the Library Director for the Lillooet Area Library Association. Short on credentials, but long on experience, she brings years of community based organizing to her work as a Community Librarian and administrator. After working toward a degree in Environmental Studies... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Public Service

11:15am PDT

The New Clicklaw: A Lesson in Legal Sourcery FILLING

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Skylab, Prince George Public Library

In this training workshop, we will introduce you to the new and redesigned Clicklaw website, a go-to resource for reliable BC legal information for the public. The new Clicklaw website officially launched in fall 2024 and features content created and curated by Courthouse Libraries’ law librarians with years of experience helping the public answer their legal questions. You’ll have the chance to use Clicklaw to practice finding resources related to common legal issues your patrons experience, including divorce & separation, wills & estates, tenancy, personal planning, and employment. Participants are invited to bring their own device so they can take part in the practice exercises.

This session will take place in the library's computer lab, which offers 9 internet stations. Additional seating and tables will be available for participants who bring their own laptops.

Speakers

Alise Nelson

Librarian, Courthouse Libraries BC

Alise Nelson (she/her) is a graduate of Simon Fraser University and holds an MLIS from the University of Alberta. She previously worked at the Prince George Public Library doing collections and youth programming before transitioning to Courthouse Libraries in the spring of 2020 where... Read More →

Megan Smiley

Program Manager, LawMatters Program & Local Libraries

As LawMatters program manager, Megan works with public libraries to enhance public access to legal information in communities throughout British Columbia. She draws on her years of experience as a law librarian to offer peer-to-peer collection development support and legal reference... Read More →

Rachel Carlson

Outreach & Reference Librarian, LawMatters program and Courthouse Libraries

Rachel splits her time between the LawMatters program and Courthouse Libraries’ reference services. In her work with LawMatters, she provides legal reference training, co-creates recommended title lists for the grant program, and creates website content and communications to public... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Skylab, Prince George Public Library 888 Canada Games Way, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Public Service

11:15am PDT

Through the Mental Health Looking Glass: Supporting the Well-Being of Library Staff in BC FILLING

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Room 208, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

Library staff are vital connectors in their communities—offering support, safety, and access to resources. But as the role of libraries expands, so too does the emotional labour of those working within them.
This engaging session invites BC library staff to explore their own mental health through a compassionate and empowering lens. Together, we’ll look at the state of mental health in BC and Canada, and unpack common challenges such as compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and even PTSD resulting from crisis situations. We’ll also break down myths and stereotypes about mental illness, helping to reduce stigma and foster more open, supportive conversations.
Led by a lived experience expert, this session blends storytelling, reflection, and group discussion. Participants will brainstorm practical tools, resources, and strategies to strengthen well-being—both individually and across their organizations.
Whether you're on the front lines or behind the scenes, this session is for anyone who believes that mental health matters and that taking care of ourselves is essential to caring for our communities.
Join us for a transformative conversation Through the Mental Health Looking Glass.
Participants are encouraged to send questions or discussion topics in advance to help shape a meaningful and relevant session.

Speakers

Elaine Laberge

Executive Director, Canadian Mental Health Association of Northern BC

Elaine Laberge, Ph.D., M.A., is the Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) of Northern BC. With a Ph.D. in Education and a Master's in Sociology, she brings over 15 years of leadership experience in mental health, social policy, and advocacy. Laberge is... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 208, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Health & Safety

11:15am PDT

Update from the Public Library Accessibility Working Group LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Room 201-202, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

Find out what the Public Library Accessibility Working Group (PLAWG) has been working on, some resources and tools available to support libraries in becoming more accessible, and what additional supports are upcoming in 2025. Share your library’s successes and learn from what your colleagues have tried; share your library’s challenges and gain suggestions and insight from others.

Speakers

Rina Hadziev

Executive Director, BC Library Association

I love discussing almost any aspect of libraries, especially BCLA's key priorities right now: accessibility, advocacy, anti-racism, climate action, intellectual freedom, and professional development. I always want to hear how I can help to support libraries and library workers, how... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 201-202, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L5T6

Regular Session, Public Service

1:30pm PDT

Dancing through Data: Using the Canadian Census of Population to Understand the Population you Serve FULL

Monday June 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Skylab, Prince George Public Library

Who lives in your library’s service area? How is the population changing over time? In this session participants will learn how to navigate free Statistics Canada products to learn about the demographics of the populations they serve. The session will cover the following topics, and include a guided hands-on activity: -Statistics Canada geography definitions, and how they correspond to legislative boundaries such as municipalities and regional districts -An overview of the Census program, including how it differs from other surveys conducted by Statistics Canada -Accessing current and past census data using the web interface -Downloading data for further analysis into Excel

This session will take place in the library's computer lab, which offers 9 internet stations. Additional seating and tables will be available for participants who bring their own laptops.

Speakers

Susie Wilson

Data Services Librarian, UNBC

Monday June 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Skylab, Prince George Public Library 888 Canada Games Way, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Public Service

1:30pm PDT

There’s No Place Like Accessible Social Media and Newsletters FILLING

Monday June 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library

This presentation will explore how libraries can create accessible social media and newsletters for their patrons. From creating alt-text to formatting hashtags and understanding the importance of using headers in your newsletter, this presentation will cover the best practices you can apply to engage all your patrons. Let’s make your marketing accessible and available for everyone!

Speakers

Megan Sellmer

Outreach Coordinator, National Network for Equitable Library Service

Megan Sellmer is the Outreach Coordinator for the National Network for Equitable Library Service. She is passionate about accessibility and helping libraries provide accessible services for patrons with print disabilities. She received her graduate degree in Digital Humanities and... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Marketing & Communications

2:45pm PDT

Building a Sensory Musical Storytime Nest (And Leaving with Your Ukulele at the End of the Day) LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Room 201-202, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre,

As we know, there are many different types of brains that attend library story times - this workshop will explore how we can use sensory based musical activities to increase language abilities, build social connections, increase fine and gross motor skills, and just have an amazing time building life-long library memories. Join Sandra and Erin, to learn more about our most engaging musical tips and tricks for library kids & library adults, and why music is so important in creating a more inclusive space for sensory seekers and avoiders.

Speakers

Sandra Schuffert

Children & Youth Coordinator, Smithers Public Library

Sandra Schuffert has been the Children & Youth Coordinator at the Smithers Public Library for 8 years. Her dizzying repertoire of songs, enjoyed by all ages, is matched only by a broad understanding and passion for diverse abilities and sensory experiences during story times. Sandra... Read More →

Erin Cockriell

Circulation & Volunteer Coordinator, Smithers Public Library

Erin Cockriell is the Circulation & Volunteer Coordinator at the Smithers Public Library. She has been plucking the happy strings of the Ukulele for story times, children’s concerts and young students for a decade. Erin is also the facilitator of the Telkwa Reading Centre and a... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room 201-202, Prince George Conference & Civic Centre, 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L5T6

Regular Session, Programs & Events

2:45pm PDT

Looking Behind the Curtain: You Don’t Need to be a Wizard to do Collection Maintenance LIMITED

Monday June 9, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library

Have you ever had patrons frustrated because the item’s not on the shelf even though it says available? Thought you had a title only to find it was lost 6 months ago and never replaced? Have no room on the shelf for brand new titles? Collection maintenance may not usually be visible to your patrons but it’s essential for your collection. This session will look at workflows, tools, and reports to help you with the sometimes daunting task of maintaining your collection. This session will cover running a full or partial inventory, where to find reports for weeding, and strategies for handling lost and missing items in Sitka’s Evergreen.

Speakers

Jennifer Pringle

Co-op Support Training Lead, BC Libraries Cooperative

Jennifer Pringle is a support specialist and the training lead at the BC Libraries Cooperative. She creates documentation and plans training for the Sitka libraries on the shared Evergreen ILS. Jennifer is an active member of the Evergreen community participating in multiple working... Read More →

Monday June 9, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Keith Gordon Room, Prince George Public Library 808 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Collections

2:45pm PDT

Toto's Corner: De-Stress with the St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Program FULL

Monday June 9, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT

Teen Area, Prince George Public Library

The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program allows participants to reap the therapeutic benefits of the unconditional companionship of a four-legged friend. Attendees at this session can de-stress by spending some time with a therapy dog in a quiet space in the library. The amount of time each participant can spend with the dog and handler is determined by the number of registrants for the session and the number of therapy dog teams available.

Please be respectful of our furry guests and do not bring any food or beverages into the room.

Speakers

Matt Singleton & Bandit

St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Program

Matt and Bandit joined the SJA Therapy Dog Program several years ago and have recently passed evaluation for the Children's and Individuals with Special Needs Program. They visit schools and libraries, and are eligible to participate in the SJA Therapy Dog Paws4Stories Program.

Elissa & Eddy

St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog Program

Cathy & Zephyr

Monday June 9, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm PDT
Teen Area, Prince George Public Library 888 Canada Games Way, Prince George, BC, V2L 5T6

Regular Session, Health & Safety

Beyond Hope 2025

From CA$0.00