Employer Spotlight: BC Libraries Co-op. Photograph of the Co-op team at a staff event. "When workers have more income, much of that money will be used in the local economy, helps reduce financial stressors and contributes to overall health of staff, their families and in the wider community."- Kevin Millsip, Executive Director, BC Libraries Co-op. Logo of Living Wage BC and copy: A program of Vancity Community Foundation.

Our Co-op was featured in an Employer Spotlight by Living Wage BC!

BC Libraries Co-op has been a proud Living Wage employer since 2021. Read about our continued commitment on the Living Wage BC website:
www.livingwagebc.ca/employer_spo...

@vancitycommfdn.bsky.social
#LivingWage #Coop

Blurry image of a library room with laptops and computers.

We're proud to announce this year's recipients of the BC Libraries Co-op Open Source Contribution Fund!
Each year, our employees nominate open source projects they benefit from.

This year's recipients: bc.libraries.coop/news/2026-op...

#OpenSource #Coop #Community #FOSS @evergreenils.bsky.social

Let’s continue to explore what’s available in the NNELS Library Toolkit for Canadian libraries! Next up, we have marketing and promotional materials that libraries can use and adapt for their platforms and audiences.

Biblioteque Numerique Graphic, red and cream coloured backdrop. 400 Audiobooks, 6500 EBooks, All Ages. Four book jackets are displayed in tablet frames. Underneath is a logo of a book wearing headphones.

Joyeux Mois de la Francophonie! In honour of Francophonie Month, we're shining a spotlight on the Bibliothèque numérique, a curated digital French-language collection available through BC public libraries.

Learn more on the blog: bc.libraries.coop/news/bibliot...

#DigitalLibrary #French #EBooks

Let’s learn what’s #NewInNNELS this week! We have recently added fiction audiobook titles for you to listen to this Wednesday. Click the links below or visit the recently added collection for more titles: nnels.ca/recently-added

On a light blue background, the text says "Navigating Toward Better Accessibility in Audiobooks, presented by Simon Jaeger and Ioana Gandrabur, Wednesday March 25th at 10am-11am PST, virtually on Zoom." There is a graphic symbol showing a computer monitor with a headset next to two books. The logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Provincial Professional Development program are included.

On March 25th, Simon Jaeger (NNELS) and Ioana Gandrabur (CELA) are hosting "Navigating Toward Better Accessibility in Audiobooks." The workshop includes a demo of new audiobook options for those with print disabilities and how AI may improve accessibility. Register here: tinyurl.com/accessibleau...

A woman with short grey hair and a striped sweater typing on a tablet, with a notebook and coffee mug in front of her on a table.

What's new at National Network for Equitable Library Service?

Our NNELS team has developed the Library Toolkit to provide practical, ready-to-use materials for library staff to connect readers to accessible formats.

Visit the toolkit: nnels.ca/nnels-librar...

@nnelsca.bsky.social
#accessibility

Closeup photograph of a person's hand typing on a laptop.

"At the heart of everything we do [...] is a simple belief: that access to knowledge and literacy is not a privilege — it is a foundation of community and even the base of a functioning, and vibrant democracy." Read the full Executive Director Update on our #Blog:

bc.libraries.coop/news/march-u...

Open Letter - CSC Elimination of Librarians & CEGEP Education Book Clubs for Inmates 400-192 Spadina Avenue Toronto, Ontario M5T 2C2 OPEN LETTER The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 By email: gary...

Tomorrow is the deadline. We're calling on the Minister of Public Safety to reverse plans to eliminate prison librarians & cut incarcerated student programs in Quebec. This is a literacy issue. A human rights issue.
Add your signature by Feb 27: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

#literacy #libraries

Welcome to Freedom to Read - Freedom to Read Freedom of expression is a fundamental right of all Canadians, and freedom to read is part of that precious heritage.

It's Freedom to Read Week! Freedom to Read is about being able to choose what and how you read. NNELS supports this by providing books in accessible formats for people with print disabilities in collaboration with libraries across Canada.

Learn more: www.freedomtoread.ca

#FTRW26 #FreedomToRead

#PinkShirtDay is about standing up for one another. That commitment is reflected every day in the work of our libraries.

Today we recognize our member libraries for the care they put into building communities where everyone belongs!

More about bullying prevention: www.canada.ca/en/public-he...

NNELS thanks @joellightbound.bsky.social, members of the Standing Committee on Finance, and members of the House of Commons and the Senate for supporting our efforts to protect free postage for the blind under the Canada Post Corporation Act. Read more here: nnels.ca/news/bill-c-15

#cdnPoli

On a light blue background the text says "Using AI Tools in Library Marketing hosted by David Lee King. Thursday, February 19th, 10am-11:15am PDT Virtually on Zoom." There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development program. And, there is an image generated by Google Geminis from David's website, like a swirling galaxy with AI in the center.

On Thurs. Feb. 19th at 10am, we'll be hosting David Lee King and his workshop "Using AI Tools in Library Marketing" which includes a discussion on library AI-related policies, and how they can help or hinder the work of marketing and promotion. Register today! tinyurl.com/LibraryMarke...

It’s Low Vision Awareness Month! Low vision can greatly affect how individuals read, but accessible technologies such as screen magnification and enhancement software can help make reading easier. You can compare the different software options available here: nnels.ca/screen-magni...

We are deeply saddened by the tragic event in Tumbler Ridge.
Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected, and with the entire local community.

Anyone impacted by this traumatic event can call/text the helpline #VictimLinkBC for support: 1-800-563-0808, or email victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca

January 27 is #FamilyLiteracyDay!
Visit FamilyLiteracyDay.ca activities and resources.
#FLD2026
In BC, we celebrate all week! Find more free resources at decoda.ca/get-involved...
#FLW2026

Registration for #BCLA2026 is now open! bclaconnect.ca/blog/registr...

Co-op Support will be closed for the holiday break starting December 25. Regular support resumes January 2, 2026.
Tickets and support voicemail won’t be monitored during this time; emergency phone support remains available.
bc.libraries.coop/support/

Happy Holidays!

#CoopNews #HolidayClosure

"Accessibility is about doing the work up front to identify and remove barriers for people who have specific disabilities." - Kevin Millsip, Executive Director BC Libraries Co-op.

Find a video transcript in Word & PDF format: bclaconnect.ca/accessibilit...

#accessibility @bcla.bsky.social #library

NNELS strongly opposes this repeal and urges the Government of Canada to protect equitable access to reading for everyone.

Let the Government of Canada know that accessible reading matters. Read about Bill C-15 and download a letter template to send to your local MPs here: nnels.ca/news/bill-c-15

Cover image of the Accessibility Assessment Framework for Library Spaces, including a photo of a librarian handing a book to a young girl.

We’re excited to introduce the Accessibility Assessment Framework for Libraries, a practical resource to help libraries evaluate and strengthen accessibility.

Explore the framework and related resources:
bc.libraries.coop/about/access...

#Accessibility #Libraries #AccessibleLibraries

Good things come in threes. Image of three boxes with books. Snowflakes in the background.

Read Local BC introduced a new pilot project: 3 curated Book Boxes available for a limited time (Dec 5). We spoke with @readlocalbc.bsky.social about the local curators & the idea behind the project.

Full Q&A:
bc.libraries.coop/blog/partner...

#SupportLocal #PartnerSpotlight @booksbc.bsky.social

NNELS is dedicated to making reading accessible for everyone. From accessible EPUBs to Audiobooks and Braille, we collaborate with libraries and partners to remove barriers and expand the availability of inclusive formats. Visit nnels.ca to explore our collection of accessible and alternate formats.

ABC International Excellence Award 2026: Call for Nominations WIPO’s Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing.  This year’s edition will take…

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing! This award honours a publisher and a project that have shown outstanding innovation for individuals with print disabilities worldwide.

Read more here: buff.ly/QjJqJ1n

Learn more and how to participate via @bcla.bsky.social bclaconnect.ca/climateactio...

It’s #ClimateActionWeek!

Shoutout to #BCLibrariesCoop members participating:

🎬 Bowen Island PL - Climate Action Movie Night
✏️ Langara College Library - Make a Zine
🚲 Vancouver PL(South Hill) - Eco-Voyage workshop
📚 West Van Memorial Library - Climate Action booklist

Join an event close to you!

On a light blue background the text says, 'Intellectual Freedom Instruction at Canadian Library Schools, presented by Dr. Toni Samek, Dr. Mahdi Ganjavi, and Dr. Cameron Pierson. Tuesday, November 18th at 10am - 11:30am PST, 1pm - 2:30pm ET on Zoom. There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development Program. The three speakers have headshots included. Toni is a middle-aged white woman with mid-length dark blond hair. She wears a black top, a scarf in blue and green, and a necklace. Mahdi is a middle-aged man with a dark complexion, he has short black hair, wears glasses, and wears a blue button-up shirt, with a linght pink tie. Cameron is a young white man, with short brown hair, wearing a gray button-up shirt, and gray cardigan.

We are hosting the panel "Approaches to Intellectual Freedom Instruction at Canadian Library Schools" with Dr. Toni Samek, Dr. Mahdi Ganjavi and Dr. Cameron Pierson on Tues. Nov. 18th at 10am. Learn about their approach to teaching IF and best practises. Register today tinyurl.com/libraryschoo...

Accessibility Standards Canada is forming two new committees — and they need your voice!

• Accessible Justice
• Equitable Communication

If you have lived experience, expertise, or a passion for accessibility apply by Dec 1, 2025:

accessible.canada.ca/creating-acc...

#Accessibility #Inclusion

The text is on a light blue background. It says 'Misinformation and Public Libraries presented by Deb Hutchison Koep, Devon Greyson, Leigh Anne Palmer. Wednesday October 29th at 2pm - 3:30pm PDT on Zoom.' There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and professional development program. There is a simple graphic of a woman with short hair pointing to a document with a green check mark, not a document with a red X.

Register today for "Misinformation and Public Libraries" on Wed. Oct. 29th with Deb Hutchison Koep, Devon Greyson, and Leigh Anne Palmer. The spread of false information is a formidable threat - this session will explore how public libraries can approach this growing challenge. tinyurl.com/bclaevent

On a light blue background text says 'Indigenous Data Sovereignty and AI with Kristin Kozar. Thursday October 9th, 2pm-3:30pm PDT on Zoom.' There is a headshot of Kristin who is a middle-aged Indigenous woman. Her long hair is loose on one shoulder, she is smiling, wearing beaded earrings and necklace, and a black blouse. There are two logos for the British Columbia Library Association and Professional Development program.

There's still time to register for "Indigenous Data Sovereignty and AI" with Kristin Kozar of the Hwlitsum First Nation on Thurs. October 9th at 2pm. Learn how digital archives and tools like AI can advance Indigenous data sovereignty, as well as the risks. Register today!
tinyurl.com/bclaseriesAI