@bc.libraries.coop
We help libraries help people. The BC Libraries Coop is a community service cooperative with over 200 Canadian member organizations. https://bc.libraries.coop/ #OpenSource #Technology #Accessibility #Libraries #Coop
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
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.
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
October is Canadian Library Month, led by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations. 🇨🇦📚
Libraries support lifelong learning, cultural engagement and freedom of expression. This month, join us in celebrating their essential role in strengthening communities across Canada. #LibrariesForLife
The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad is a moving introduction to the history and legacy of residential schools. This is the story of Orange Shirt Day, an important day of remembrance for all Canadians: nnels.ca/items/orange...
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Reports are freely available in accessible formats in the NNELS collection for all to read: nnels.ca/relations/tr...
Read the full event recap and learn about all inspiring winners on the Open Door Group's website: www.opendoorgroup.org/events-and-m...
Kevin Millsip, BC Libraries Co-op's Executive Director, looking at the camera, shaking hands with the awards presenter. The presenter and Kevin are both holding the BCLC award.
We were honoured to be recognized at the Untapped Workplace Inclusion Awards!
Thank you to Open Door Group for hosting this event and for shining a spotlight on workplace accessibility and equity.
#WorkplaceInclusion #Accessibility #CoopNews @nnelsca.bsky.social
In June 2025 we launched the Read Local BC eBookshelf, in partnership with the Association of Book Publishers of BC.
NNELS now offers accessible versions of Read Local BC titles:
nnels.ca/relations/re...
#Accessibility #DigitalLibrary @readlocalbc.bsky.social @libbyapp.com @nnelsca.bsky.social
In honor of Official Languages Day, Canadian Heritage is launching "I support Canadian books!” 🍁
On September 11, support Canadian books and local culture by sharing a photo of the book you have chosen on your social media with #CanadianBook and #OLDay.
More details here: buff.ly/uwV1m7A
Riane, the NNELS Braille Coordinator, sits in front of a work bench of various stages of braille production, smiling at the camera. Behind her is a red Index Spot Dot embosser with a stack of braille colouring pages on the tray. On top of the embosser are two print braille books, "C'est mon lit!" and "Barnaby Unboxed!".
@nnelsca.bsky.social offers a new embossed braille service for readers & libraries nationwide, thanks to a partnership with CELA & support from the Government of Canada’s Equitable Access to Reading Program.
Riane LaPaire, NNELS Braille Coordinator, shares more:
bc.libraries.coop/news/expandi...