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Things We’ve Tried

In the past, the KLF has taken the lead in organizing and hosting programming, allowing member libraries to participate by simply inviting their patrons. We have had a number of successful one-off events (posters for some of these events can be found at the bottom of the page), as well as longer series such as the two examples below.

Read Local Book Club

Promotional square for Read Local Book Club featuring a picture of author Jane Byers and the cover of her book "Small Courage"

In 2021-2022, the Read Local Book Club was a popular monthly online book club featuring local authors. Each month a different library hosted and facilitated a conversation with a different local author about their book. We had the privilege of talking with Jane Byers, Leesa Dean, Jennifer Ellis, Dave Butler, and Kate Armstrong. For a more detailed look at Read Local, click on the Read Local FAQ.

Kootenay Teen Book Club

Promotional square for Kootenay Teen Book Club featuring a picture of author Monique Gray Smith and the cover of her book "Braiding Sweetgrass"

In 2020-2023, the Kootenay Teen Book Club would invite teens to read the same book across the Kootenays over a month. At the end of the month, there would be an online conversation with the author of that book. It was a chance for teens to interact directly with the authors they admire, including Gordon Korman, Susin Nielsen, Susan Juby, Tasha Spillett, David Robertson, and more! For a more detailed look at past KTBC events, plus access to recorded events, click on the KTBC FAQ.

Kootenay Teen News

The KLF launched a library-published teen newspaper as a community engagement tool and to provide a platform for fostering local youth voices. The purpose of the initiative was to connect a community of inquisitive and expressive teens, support media literacy, and increase the relevancy of library services among the teen population. The editorial team provided guidance to teens in creating news stories – by working with them personally and putting on workshops throughout the year on local journalism. They produced an issue every second month and sent physical copies to every library, high school and youth centre in the Kootenays. Click on the KTN page for past issues, as well as submission guidelines. If you are an educator or library staff looking to promote the program, see the KTN Backgrounder. 

Programs we’ve tried: