NSLA organizes and presents two spring PD workshops every year for members and those interested in professional development opportunities. The dates range from the end of April to early June, and are typically held in two locations: Antigonish/New Glasgow (to reach the eastern half of the province) and Bridgewater/Windsor/Wolfville (to reach the western half of the province.) The NSLA Professional Development Committee would like to hear your IDEAS, for PD workshops you would like to see delivered this Spring! Submit your Ideas, and/or names for potential workshop convenors to the NSLA Professional Development Convenor: Ray Fernandes – ray.fernandes@novascotia.ca Past Workshops include: Summer Learning/Programming – Youth Services Safety in a Public Workplace Libraries 150: Tips for Readers’ Advisory & Public Engagement Storytelling The Art of Puppetry For current PD opportunities, you can access the Education Institute .  Your NSLA membership gives you a discount. You’ll need to c...

We held two workshops featuring Summer Reading, on May 7 and May 14. Lots of great ideas came from those workshops, and people wanted links to ideas. So here goes – we’ve tried to capture as many of the program ideas as possible.   The ideas below have been tried by NS libraries and have been successful; the blog posts will give you the how-to! Drive-in Movie for preschoolers (use NFB movies, perhaps) Teddy Bear Sleepover See Cape Breton’s most recent Sleepover ! Many regions have tried it — Family Fort Night Rachel Crosby shared a fun and easy slingshot rocket craft Preschool Obstacle Course Puppet stories and more from Beyond the Book Storytime Ulnooweg Robotics programs Cupcake Wars (with Teens):   Use magnetic marbles for painting – roll around in box with magnet underneath More ideas: Parking Lot Party: Outdoors, games, StoryWalk, Be Fit Kits Table-sized colouring sheets – have been found at Michael’s and Dollar Store Drop-in Daily Crafts: easy, passive ideas like re...

9:30-12:30 – Serving Mature Consumers presented by N. S. Tourism Human Resource Council This informative and interactive 3 hour session will focus on: Understanding Older Customers Needs and Expectations, Demographics, Tips for Assisting Seniors/Others Requiring Adaptive Assistance, and more. 1:30-3:00 – Out of the Shadows presented by Wayne Schnarre Mr. Schnarre will be sharing his experiences, stories and objective research about mental health to educate, combat stigma and promote wellness.