From Big Ideas to Trailblazers

November 4, 2024
Toronto

Turn your aspiration into action, while fostering leadership and innovation in children's and youth programming.

Through interactive workshops and inspiring talks, participants will gain the skills and confidence needed to become the trailblazers of tomorrow.


November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024 09:30 am

Welcome and Award Presentation

Join us for opening remarks and the award presentation for the OPLA Children's or Youth Services Librarian of the Year Award and the OPLA Advocacy in Action: Excellence in Children's or Teen Services Award

November 4, 2024 09:45 am

Supporting Our Youth: A Retrospective On Queer Youth Activism And Autonomy

Author Matteo L. Cerilli (he/him) will reflect on his time as a neurodivergent queer youth and activist, the importance of supporting youth-run community spaces, and how these experiences have influenced his debut YA horror LOCKJAW. 

Matteo L. Cerilli

November 4, 2024 10:45 am

Stretch

November 4, 2024 10:50 am

Unmasking Neurodiversity: Strategies and Lived Experience For Building Authentic Bonds With Youth

Learn how to connect with and support neurodivergent youth in your library from two experts in the field. Grounded in theory, practice, and lived experience, Kim Trusty and Kim VanRyn will help you develop accessible and inclusive programs and spaces so that your patrons feel not only welcome, but a true sense of belonging.

Kimberly Van Ryn

Kim Trusty
Toronto Public Library

November 4, 2024 11:50 am

Lunch

November 4, 2024 01:00 pm

Sensationally Seamless Storytimes & Sensory Spaces

From sensory spaces to storytime kits, discover how children and youth staff are making their library spaces and programs inclusive and accessible to all (staff and the public).

Serena McGovern
Barrie Public Library

Megan Sioui
Barrie Public Library

Nicole Agar
Caledon Public Library

November 4, 2024 02:00 pm

Engaging Tweens: How Three libraries used Space, Creativity, and Technology in their library

Discover how three library systems use space, creativity, and technology to engage tweens, create community and foster skill development. 

Tommy Sunthorn
Vaughan Public Libraries

Adam Tonon
Vaughan Public Libraries

Ashley Robbins
Oakville Public Library

Noe Chagas
Oakville Public Library

Ashley Robbins
Oakville Public Library

Kate Wetmore
Markham Public Library

Jennifer North
Markham Public Library

November 4, 2024 03:00 pm

BREAK

November 4, 2024 03:15 pm

It's A Brain Hurricane!

Get ready to work together with other programmers to create new and unique children and teen programs on the spot. You will leave this session with a whole list of new program ideas that you can immediately bring to life. It isn't just a brainstorm…it's a brain hurricane!

Brooke Windsor
Stratford Public Library

November 4, 2024 04:15 pm

Closing remarks


Oursponsors

Get to know the OPLA Child and Youth Services Committee!

Jennifer Kundakci – Chair

Jennifer Kundakci is a Library Business Consultant in the Mississauga Library, and lead-chair of the Child and Youth Services Committee for the Ontario Public Library Association. Known for her innovative programming, she was the former Senior Department Head of Children's Services in the Toronto Public Library, with over 15 years experience working with children and youth. As an avid maker, you can find her spending a crafternoon designing and making clever things with her Cricut. Jennifer.kundakci@mississauga.ca

Shannon McGrady – Co-Chair

Shannon McGrady is the Program and Research Co-ordinator for Orangeville Public Library, and co-chair of the Child and Youth Services Committee for the Ontario Public Library Association. She is passionate about picture books, early literacy, and social justice. smcgrady@orangeville.ca

Michael/Michelle Rogowski – Secretary

Michael/Michelle Rogowski has worked in School Libraries, Public Libraries, Academic Libraries, and Non-Profit Organizations for libraries. Currently, Michael/Michelle is working for the Canadian Federation of Library Associations, and still helps libraries across Canada in their child and youth programming. mrogowski@cfla-fcab.ca

Cameron Ray

Cameron Ray is a senior branch head with the Toronto Public Library, 2SLGBTQ+ selector, reviewer for Canadian Review of Materials (YA), and program lead for the online Talk About Books program. He is into early literacy skills, not censoring or banning books and a revival of the social contract and what that means for public spaces. cray@tpl.ca

Kimberly Trusty

Kim Trusty is a Youth Services Specialist at Toronto Public Library. She believes that audio books and comic books are real books and you can't (and shouldn't) tell her otherwise. ktrusty@tpl.ca

Amanda Hodgkinson

Amanda has worked in libraries for over 14 years, and continues to advocate for rural and small libraries and how they are integral in community networks. She loves storytime and beekeeping. Amanda.hodgkinson@springwaterlibrary.ca

Serena McGovern

Serena McGovern is a library lover, not a fighter. Currently she works at the Barrie Public Library as the Child and Youth Librarian where she is passionate about making library spaces and programs for everyone

Danika Bernard

Danika Bernard is a Branch Manager at Hamilton Public Library. She is experienced in programming, service design and technology and worked for Oakville Public Library, St. Albert Public Library, and Edmonton Public Library. Danika is dedicated to enhancing library services and spaces for children and families through collaboration, creativity, and human centered solutions.

Nicole Agar

Nicole has been working in libraries for over 15 years. She is currently the Programming and Outreach Coordinator for Caledon Public Library where she plans and facilitate programming for all ages. Nicole is an animal lover, a yogi, and an avid reader (of course!). Chrysalids by John Wyndham is her all time favourite book.

Leah

Leah Perron has worked in libraries for the past eight years, ranging from Sudbury to Niagara-on-the Lake. She is currently the award-winning Children’s Librarian at the Bracebridge Library. Leah’s passion for providing dynamic and educational experiences for all ages drives her to design diverse programming at the library and in outreach throughout the community. She is excited to be involved in the OPLA Children and Youth Services Committee. Her proudest achievements are significant contributions to a book on the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake, winning the Independent Educator of the Year award from the Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, and her puppeteering skills.