Programming & Community Development

Featured Resource

Mohawk College Library Instagram
For recommendations on various themes and subjects, follow our Instagram page. We are always promoting and posting here.

Community-Led Libraries Toolkit
Arranged into three sections, this toolkit outlines the process for community engagement.
Libraries Transforming Communities
Source: American Library Association
Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC) is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA), with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, that seeks to strengthen librarians’ roles as core community leaders and change-agents through training.
Programming Librarian
Provides resources, connections and opportunities libraries need to fill their role as centers of cultural and civic life.
NOTE: This website offers ideas for all age groups and type of population.
STEAM Toolkit
This toolkit was created in 2012–2013 by a task force of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).
Teen Programming Guidelines
The purpose of this guide is to assist library workers in setting learning goals for teen programs.
Virtual Messaging and Programming Ideas for Library Physical Closures
Source: Federation of Ontario Public Libraries

ArriveIn - Public Libraries as a Resource for Newcomers in Canada
An article that explains how newcomers to Canada can use public libraries for help settling in. Includes resources from various public libraries and the services they offer newcomers.
The Decolonized Library Project
This resource includes a digital library selection of diverse books, all from kids to adult, non-fiction to fiction.
Ethnic Diversity by CensusMapper
Select a location on the map in the top right corner. This will provide you with a better understanding of the communities you serve and the supports they need.
The Learning Portal - Maamwi
The Maamwi Hub is inspired by the TRC 94 Calls to Action to ensure that the 24 Colleges of Ontario lead in the education of both staff and students on Indigenous history, culture, knowledge, and current Indigenous worldviews.
Librarian's Guide to Homelessness
Ryan Dowd's website focusing on training library staff to confidently and compassionately solve problem behavior from troubled individuals.
Libraries Respond: Services to LGBTQIA+ People
An article from ALA with resources on how to better serve LGBTQIA+ population in the library.
Library Lexique
This website offers a bilingual library toolkit, as well as a lexicon of English to French library terms.