Idea Exchange: Crisis or Opportunity? School Libraries in the 21st Century

In Canada, school library programs and the number of teacher librarians and library staff have been in decline for many years. Some schools have no library or no library program, and many school libraries are understaffed and underserviced or face threats to their resources and collections.

This panel will explore the ways in which a properly resourced and well-staffed school library – or Learning Commons – can support the 21st-century learner. It will also examine the broader consequences of the ongoing decline of school library programs in Canada.

Join moderator
Kevin Sylvester, author, illustrator and radio broadcaster

And panelists
Patsy Aldana, Publisher, Groundwood Books
Ruth Hall, Instructional Leader (TDSB), Teacher Librarian
Annie Kidder, Executive Director, People for Education

Hart House, University of Toronto, 7 Hart House Circle

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

5:30–7:30 p.m. (doors open at 5:00 p.m.)
Suggested donation: $10

To reserve your seat call (416) 975-9366 or email publicity@theBPC.ca

Visit the Ontario Library Association’s website for background information on school libraries and resources http://www.accessola.org/ola_prod/OLAWEB/Issues_Advocacy/issues/The_Crisis_in_School_Libraries.aspx

This event is sponsored by the Book and Periodical Council, the Ontario Library Association, Canpar and Quill & Quire