Saturday @ 9:00am | Theatre Auditorium & Virtual Stream

About the Presenter:
Yaroslava Soshynska earned her PhD in History (specializing in Librarianship and Bibliography Science) in 1994. She brings more than 30 years of experience in research and teaching in the field of social communications, serving as an Associate Professor.

As Co-Founder (in 1995) and Executive Director (since 2009) of the Ukrainian Library Association, Yaroslava has led and implemented numerous initiatives and projects in collaboration with a broad range of national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Yaroslava is the author of more than 160 scholarly articles, manuals, and online courses designed for university students and adult learners. Also, she is actively involved in professional development for librarians, educators, and cultural managers.

Saturday @ 11:00am | Theatre Auditorium & Virtual Stream

Every day, library staff see how their work impacts the health and well-being of their community members. But how do non-library practitioners view the role of public libraries in population health? This panel will feature Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health in Nova Scotia, Dr. Pat Craig, Chair of the Population Health Committee of the Aberdeen Health Foundation, and Dr. Christina Holmes, Professor of Health and Anthropology at St. Francis Xavier University.

About the Panellists:
Dr. Robert Strang is Chief Medical Officer of Health in Nova Scotia appointed in August 2007. As CMOH, he has provided leadership around the renewal of the public health system in NS as well as raising awareness around the importance of creating policies and environments that support better health for Nova Scotian families and communities. Dr. Strang has an adjunct appointment with Dalhousie University, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology.

Dr. Pat Craig is currently working as a GP in Oncology at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow. Previous to this, she practiced general family medicine in Pictou County for over 25 years. She has been on the board of directors for the Aberdeen Health Foundation since 2021, currently serving as chair of the population health committee. In her spare time, she enjoys playing euphonium with the Pictou County Brass and Reed band. She also enjoys biking, kayaking and camping. She lives in New Glasgow with her husband, David, and is the proud parent of 3 grown children, and Grandma to 4 beautiful grandchildren.

Dr. Christina Holmes is an anthropologist of science and technology and a medical anthropologist. She has done a range of research on the social implications of biotechnology and the post-genomics sciences, including medical genetic testing, genetically modified plants, and proteomics. Her recent projects are on public health governance and the science needs and uses of small farmers.

Saturday @ 11:00am | Creative Pictou County Studio

Libraries are often celebrated for their ability to bring people together in simple, yet powerful ways. Join us for a cozy conference session to learn and share about library knitting and stitching circles, as well as adult craft programs. Bring along a project to work on while we chat, or explore some of the materials from our craft basket. We will discuss how and why your library might benefit from getting a little craftier!

About the Presenter:
Elizabeth Glinz has facilitated stitching circles at PARL’s People’s Place: Antigonish Town and County Library for twelve years. She has engaged with participants from ages 5 through 95 to come together to knit, crochet, make friends, and support each other.

Saturday @ 11:00am | Location TBD

As separate as they are in terms of organisational structure, school and public libraries have much in common and benefit from working together. We will show examples of past collaborations, as well as what we imagine has potential in the future.

About the Presenters:
Thekla Altmann (she/they) is Branch Assistant-in-Charge at Trenton Library, the smallest branch of the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library, where they do their darndest to foster small but mighty communities. Thekla is a queer immigrant who writes.

Debbie Clark is a Library and Information Specialist with the CCRCE, currently supporting two middle school libraries in Truro. Debbie is passionate about creating engaging, inclusive, and innovative spaces for students and staff alike.
Known for her enthusiastic approach to technology integration and creative programming, Debbie enjoys exploring new ways to expand the role of the modern school library as a hub for literacy, curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

Nicholas Hart is a Library Specialist working at two middle schools in Trenton and Stellarton. He has been working in the schools for over five years and worked as Library staff in many capacities over 15 years at the Halifax Public Libraries.

Saturday @ 1:30pm | Location TBD

Do you have patrons looking for health-related materials in your collection? Do you get asked health-related questions at the reference desk? Nova Scotia Health Library Services can help answer health-related information questions that may arise in the public library setting, through access to our patient pamphlets and public-facing subject guides. We also direct some of our patrons to the public library when they are looking for consumer health information and computer access.

This session will help equip public library staff to access and use health resources freely available online and through NS Health. We will also reflect on how medical libraries and public libraries can support each other when answering health-related questions.

About the Presenters:
Amanda Andrews is a Librarian Educator with Nova Scotia Health. She has been with the organization for 11 years now and is responsible for Education and Training and the Literature Search service offered through NS Health Library Services. She holds a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Western Ontario. Amanda has worked within libraries for the past 18 years, which have included a mix of public, academic and medical library settings. She stays current with medical information trends and is always looking for ways to collaborate and support other library professionals.

Laura Mounce is a Librarian Educator with Nova Scotia Health’s Library Services team. She has been with the organization for 5 years and is responsible for Access Services (including library collections and acquisitions, technical services, library systems, and document delivery). She is also the site lead for the Halifax Infirmary Library. Prior to joining the Nova Scotia Health team, she worked in academic libraries in Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Texas. Laura holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario. She is interested in information literacy instruction and health information-seeking behaviour, as well as the evolution of library search systems.

Saturday @ 1:30pm | Location TBD

Join Lydia from Western Counties for a presentation on designing accessible service points and meeting accessibility standards in collection organization. She will be discussing accessibility requirements, design considerations, and how WCRL is implementing these changes. She will also be discussing how accessibility requirements have affected collection organization and size, and how she tracks progress on meeting these requirements.

About the Presenters:
Lydia Hunsberger (she/her) is the Collections and Digital Services Manager for Western Counties Regional Library where she manages the materials budget, selects English materials, and is currently working on different accessibility projects. Outside of work, you can probably find her sewing, gardening, or swimming. She lives in Yarmouth with her wife and two fluffy cats.

Saturday @ 1:30pm | Creative Pictou County Studio

Join to learn about zines: what they are and how to create them! From personal, political, fandom community-centred and more… be sure to bring your creativity! Crafting supplies are provided.

About the Presenters:
Nico (he/they) is a queer, disabled, and Acadian person whose interests include (fan)translation, the intersections between personal identity and language, and all things nerdy and weird. He has worked in both the public and academic library systems, as well as in post-secondary disability services.

Saturday @ 3:00pm | Theatre Auditorium & Virtual Stream

Tech companies paint a rosy picture of a world where our every need is provided for by generative AI. Meanwhile, their products flood online spaces with low quality content, misinformation, and scams. They exploit workers, creators, the environment, and even their own users. How can library staff deal with these issues, much less help their patrons navigate them? Join CBRL assistants Jon and Kat as they mythbust the marketing hype surrounding generative AI and offer practical advice on how to deal with it.

About the Presenters:
Jon Manley is a full time library assistant with the Cape Breton Regional Library. His foray into being a “crash test dummy” for Kat’s AI experiments was a huge tech shock as he usually spends most of his time in the McConnell Library’s historical archive.
His recommendation when it comes to AI is to go take your dog for a walk, do something creative, or read a book.

Katrina Nicholson is a full-time library assistant and part-time T-Rex with the Cape Breton Regional Library. She started researching generative AI after trying it out and discovering that the capabilities did not live up to the hype. Her recommendations for newbies to the topic are: the book “Empire of AI” by Karen Hao, the podcast “Shell Game” by Evan Ratliffe, and Cory Doctorow’s article “The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Criticizing AI”.

Saturday @ 3:00pm | Location TBD

This session will explore the planning, execution, and impact of a community Heritage Fair hosted by the New Glasgow Library. This event invites local organizations— such as churches, neighbourhood groups, and businesses with deep community roots— to create table displays showcasing their histories through photographs, stories, and artifacts. Attendees engage directly with participants, fostering conversation and shared memory. The presentation will highlight key planning considerations, partnerships, and logistics, as well as reflect on outcomes, including community response and the role of libraries in supporting local heritage and storytelling.

About the Presenters:
Meghan Jamieson is the Branch Assistant in Charge at the New Glasgow Public Library, with an educational background in Classics and Library and Information Technology. A small sample of previous employment includes the Canadian military, reading tutor, homeschool mum of four, researcher, and brewery operator.

Susan Parker is the Reference and Heritage Assistant at the New Glasgow Library. Her academic background is in Canadian history, with a focus on the cultural and industrial heritage of the Maritimes. She worked in the heritage and tourism industry for over a decade, with most of that time spent in local and university archives. Within the community, she currently serves as a director with the St. Andrew’s Society of Pictou County, the Festival of the Tartans, and the Pictou County Roots Society, and is an active volunteer with the local, provincial, and national highland dance organizations.

Saturday @ 3:00pm | Location TBD

What happens when an intimate author Q&A suddenly outgrows the room? This session explores how the Truro library booked Rachel Reid for a small, local event— only to see her skyrocket to international fame before the program even took place!

Learn how staff rapidly adapted logistics, reshaped audience expectations, and pivoted programming to meet a surge in demand— highlighting the important role of flexibility, timing, and a willingness to seize the moment.

About the Presenters:
Lesley Brann began her library career at the McConnel Library in Sydney, but has been in the role of Director of Adult Services with CEHPL since 2006. She’s presented numerous times at NSLA and twice at the Ontario Library Association conference. When she’s not working, she is active in medieval reenacting and travelling.

Megan Cameron is an Adult Services Coordinator at the Truro Branch of CEHPL. She has 5 Years at the Antigonish Library and 10 years (and counting!) at the Truro Library. A spicy reader and enthusiastic trail runner, she’s equally at home recommending your next great book or running around in the woods. When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find her fully embracing a wide range of granny hobbies— the cozier, the better.

Sunday @ 8:00am & 8:45am (Two Sessions) | Creative Pictou County Studio

Julie Babudro leads participants in a 30-minute seated series of relaxed movements and gentle stretching for mobility, pain relief, and peace of mind.

This class has been enjoyed at 3 libraries since July of 2025. Come try it and be refreshed!

Sunday @ 9:30am | Location TBD

In this session, Nanda Shirke and team present their key events and programs they run for the newcomer community.

Sunday @ 9:30am | Theatre Auditorium & Virtual Stream

About the Panellists:
Cllr. Alison Smith is Councillor for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg and a regional representative for the Board of Directors, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.

Erin Comeau is the Executive Director and Regional Librarian of Western Counties Regional Library, serving communities throughout Southwest Nova Scotia. She also serves as Chair of the Council of Regional Librarians, representing Nova Scotia’s nine regional library systems. Before being appointed Executive Director in 2011, Erin spent
six years as French Services Manager with Western Counties Regional Library. Throughout her leadership, she has led the organization through significant service transformations and operational challenges, including the impacts of a global pandemic, evolving community needs, and ongoing funding pressures. Committed to collaboration and community engagement, Erin works closely with stakeholders to ensure library services remain responsive, relevant, and valuable to the diverse communities they serve.

Sunday @ 11:00am | Theatre Auditorium & Virtual Stream

The Conference Is Over, Now What?
Most conference learning disappears within days. The notes get buried, the slides get forgotten and the excitement of the event slowly fades somewhere between the drive home and Monday morning. So what actually lasts? The conversations. The relationships. The people we continue building with after the room is gone.

In this closing keynote, Terrence Taylor challenges attendees to rethink the purpose of conferences entirely— not as places to simply collect information, but as spaces designed to create meaningful human connection. Through storytelling, reflection, humour, and interactive connection-building exercises, attendees will explore why most networking remains surface-level, why good intentions rarely turn into real follow-up and how to intentionally continue the momentum of the conference once it ends. Rather than leaving with another notebook full of ideas they may never use, participants will leave with something more valuable: a practical and personal plan for what happens next.

About the Presenter:
Terrence Taylor is the founder of TALKS TOO MUCH and creator of NeuroNarrative™, a storytelling and retention framework focused on what happens after learning experiences end. His work explores why most conferences, trainings, and keynotes create strong emotional moments but little long-term behavioural change— and how intentional reflection, storytelling, and follow-up can help ideas actually stick.
Through interactive keynotes and experiential sessions, Terrence helps organizations rethink connection, communication, psychological safety, and retention in ways that feel human, memorable, and practical long after people leave the room.