Back: Freya Fonkalsrud, Cliff Lesh, Duncan Lotoski, Dennis Sheppard, Alec Moreau, Ryan Goff, Ken Sawdon, Sheri Goff, Emma Stewart, Janet Ayles, Samantha Turvey, Jill Kergan. Front: Dennis Moore, Alycia Vickrey, Louisa Robison, Rose-Marie Finch, Tanya Huffman, Reena Rani. Absent: Donna Mosowy, Candace Cardinal. 
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from PLS!
As we wrap up the 'Barbie' marketing campaign and the year draws to a close, we're celebrating with a Barbie-inspired Christmas tree, decorated with Barbieland Library Cards. Yes, that's Ken on top. 
 
>> FROM THE CEO
 
A Year in Review
Wasn't that fun?
Our first in-person conference since 2019 and it looks like we had 22 libraries from the Peace Library System, 53 people from those libraries, and that was wonderful to see. I’m so glad that it was well attended because that gives us proof going forward that in-person PD is the way to go.    
 
>> DEPARTMENT UPDATES
CONSULTING CORNER  
The consultants have been busy this fall! After facilitating the fall marketing campaign, coordinating the virtual and in-person Stronger Together Conference, attending training in Edmonton, creating new blocks and wrapping up our library visits, we're ready for the Christmas break. Overall, it was time well spent, and we had a lot of fun in the process! Keep reading for more information and photos from our tour of the Stanley A. Milner Library in Edmonton! 
                 
Check Out What's Trending
Want interactive booklists and reading recs? Browse our curated lists and place holds with ease -titles link to items available in the TRAC catalogue. Click the Show Me button to get started!
 
 
FROM THE IT DESK 
Did you know that your board signed an IT Service Agreement with PLS? Did you know that an IT Service Agreement even existed?
If not, that’s okay. I’ll tell you all about it.
 
Keep reading to find out what it is, why it exists and what's in it. I'll also fill you in on roles, responsibilities, what's covered and what's not.   

DELIVERY DIGEST 
Our Courier Department is committed to optimizing our services, reducing costs, and ensuring efficient deliveries for our customers. Needless to say we're always innovating to improve services. Keep reading to find out what's new with our Courier Department!
>> POPULAR INTEREST 
 
RANSOMWARE STRIKES LIBRARIES AGAIN
As we approach the end of 2023, many people are starting to look forward to the upcoming holiday season.  Unfortunately for the Toronto Public Library, many staff there have something else top of mind. Come learn how attacks often happen and some basic steps we can take to defend ourselves.
 
EGGSHELLS IN THE GARDEN
Using eggshells in your garden can help you grow food. Each time you crack an egg open save it for your garden. Even when the winter weather keeps you inside, you can collect egg shells for use in the springtime. Keep reading to learn more!
 
THE VALUE OF OUR LOCAL LIBRARY 
"Let children read whenever they want and then talk about it with them." I love this Judy Blume quote because that's exactly what we do in my family! For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to share my love of reading and libraries with my children. Now that they're older, we practically live at the library.
 
>> FROM GPPL
RUNNING A TEA-RIFIC PARTY FOR ALL AGES
Tea parties don’t need to be divided amongst the old souls and the youngest of children anymore, and the programming team at the Grande Prairie Public Library has been proving just that. We have been having fun hosting some all-ages themed tea parties over the past few months.
 
Tea parties symbolize hospitality, and are safe spaces that welcome open and relaxed conversation with friends and family. Add a little theme, throw up some sweet decorations, and you’ve got yourself a fun and easy program.
Pirates & Princesses Tea Party
See what's going on around the Peace Library System! Click the pink Let's Go button to get started!
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 >> FEATURED PD OPPORTUNITY
 
Libraries & Homelessness: Roundtable Discussion
Join PLS library managers to discuss serving communities with increasing populations of patrons experiencing homelessness. Come share experiences, strategies, and resources.
 
Date: Wednesday, November 28th
Time: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom
     RSVP to jkergan@peacelibrarysystem.ab.ca for the Zoom link.
 
 News & Notes is your quarterly professional guide to news, services and connection with the staff at PLS.
 
Editor / Designer - Jill Kergan
 
Contributors to this issue:
  • Janet Ayles
  • Rose-Marie Finch
  • Freya Fonkalstad
  • Ryan Goff
  • Sheri Goff
  • Duncan Lotoski
  • Louisa Robison
  • Emma Stewart
 Member Libraries
  • Emma Lavigne
  • Samantha McDonald
  • Susan Moody
  • Kendra McRee
  • Bailey Randolph
Questions? Contact Jill by email or phone 780-538-4656 ext.104
 
UPCOMING EVENTS

Meetings
Coffee Chat - November 29
Executive: January 27
Coffee Chat: January 30
Board: February 24
Coffee Chat: February 28
 
Dates to Remember
November 1-30 - National Novel Writing Month 
PLS Closed - December 27 to January 1
Family Literacy Day - January 27
Family Day - February 19
Freedom to Read Week - February 18 to 24
Lib-PAS Due - February 28
 
In-Person PD Opportunities 
Marigold Library System Conference - May 15 
PLS Staff Development Workshop - May 31
Southern Alberta Libraries Conference - April 26
Stronger Together - TBA
 
Is there something you'd like to learn about, or something you'd like to present on? Send suggestions and sesssion proposals for upcoming PD opportunities to jkergan@peacelibrarysystem.ab.ca. 
A FOND FAREWELL TO JANET AYLES
At the end of January we will be saying a fond farewell to Janet Ayles, as you may have seen announced over Pecans this week. Janet is returning to her roots in Nova Scotia and joining the staff at Eastern Counties Regional Library, which we know will make her mom and her family happy, even if we are sad to see her go!
 
Janet has been an important presence at PLS over her more than 12 years here; while she has also served as manager of the Technical Services Manager in the past, she leaves PLS as IT Services Manager and Deputy CEO, and our libraries have come to know and love her as a friendly and sage voice who is always happy to help guide them through the intricacies of Polaris and also to chat about her favourite fandoms like Supernatural and Captain America. Janet and her collection of Funko Pops will be much missed around the office, but we wish her all the best in her new adventures.
>> Submit to News & Notes
 
Share what you've been up to with other libraries! Submit articles, pictures, and/or videos, and we'll feature them in the next issue of News & Notes.
 
Show off your library and get inspired by others. Let's see all the amazing things going on in our system! The spring issue comes out on February 22nd. Please send submissions to Jill by February 15th.
Subscribe below to get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox. In the meantime, visit our online archive to read older issues.

 
 
Peace Library System acknowledges that we are located on the Treaty 8 territory of the Cree, Beaver, and Dene people, and Region 6 of the Métis Nation of Alberta. We are grateful to live, work, and learn together on this land which has been home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples since time immemorial. We recognize this land as an act of reconciliation, and we also commit to supporting and celebrating our local Indigenous communities while working to break down institutional barriers to make our libraries equitable and accessible.
 
QUICK LINKS
 
Peace Library System
8301 - 110 Street
Grande Prairie, AB T8W 6T2
Phone: (780) 538-4656
www.peacelibrarysystem.ab.ca