ABQLA

Our Vision: That l'Association des bibliothécaires du Québec - Quebec Library Association be a thriving organization that fosters and effectively serves the professional interests of all its members and, thereby, Quebec society at large.

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Book reviews

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July 11, 2026

Review: Wanted: Your House

July 11, 2026

Twelve-year-old Cyril’s mom wants only one thing: a house for the two of them to live in. After she becomes discouraged from searching and searching with no luck, Cyril decides to step in to help. His unusual ad is answered by Mr. Hart, a grumpy old man.

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July 11, 2026

July 3, 2026

Review: The Book of Birds

July 3, 2026

The Book of Birds is much more than a field guide. It is an ode to life that introduces the reader to 49 species of endangered birds with Macfarlane’s lyric prose and Morris’ expressive watercolour-and-gold illustrations. The birds are not simply identified by physical characteristics, but rather by the temperaments and behaviours of each species—inviting us to develop a more personal understanding of their lives. Entries for the different species are written variously in first, second, or third person, as paeans, reminiscences, or even bird dating profiles. With historical anecdotes, alliteration, rhyme, rhythm, and delightful phrases such as “Nightjar at rest on the branch of a birch is part bark, part lichen, part snake,” the entries are equally suited to casual reading for enjoyment and English literature class.

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July 3, 2026

Review: Storm Breaker

July 3, 2026

Nineteen-year-old Poet Graves’ future is set; as the daughter of ruling elite in New Manhattan betrothed in an arranged political marriage, she has very little freedom to choose her own path.

That all changes when she arrives at Amery Academy, and suddenly, her pre-written destiny changes entirely.

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July 3, 2026

Recent posts

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June 26, 2025

In Loving Memory of Ljubica Milicevic: A Librarian of Light, Language, and Legacy

June 26, 2025

It’s difficult to know where to begin when talking about Ljubica Milicevic.

How do you capture the essence of someone who radiated so much beauty, insight, and generosity? How do you honour a soul whose very presence lifted others, whose intellect was matched only by her compassion?

Ljubica—beloved librarian, author, artist, gardener, mother, partner, and friend—left this world far too soon. On Saturday, May 10th, a tragic accident took her from us: a falling tree branch caused severe head injuries that she could not survive. The shock of her passing has left a wide and aching chasm in the hearts of all who knew her.

There are words we use in the aftermath of such loss: devastation, trauma, grief, disbelief. But Ljubica was not someone who would want us to dwell in the darkness. She was an eternal optimist—gentle, luminous, always looking forward, always reminding others that “good things are coming.” So today, even in our sorrow, we remember her through the light she offered so freely. Through her laughter, her brilliance, her creativity. Through the way she lived—with passion, with love, with purpose.

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June 26, 2025

April 15, 2025

Natanya Belle de Smit: Impact of the ABQLA’s Professional Development Award

April 15, 2025

It was a wonderful honor to receive the ABQLA’s Professional Development Award. It opened the door to many opportunities for me to continue my training and development as a librarian. I took great care to carefully select the training that would benefit me in my career. Although I considered many conferences and courses, I ultimately opted to spend my award on a training specific to my current position.

I was lucky enough to find myself in a new role at the library where I served as a Youth Service Librarian. Despite my year of transition learning from the knowledgeable Eddie Paul, who served as the Head of Learning & Library Services at the Jewish Public Library, there were still a few gaps in my knowledge.

Technology advances very quickly in today’s world and I am by no means an expert. I still remember helping classmates use the card catalogue in my elementary and high schools before computer catalogs became the norm. My love for cataloguing is no secret but navigating library systems does not come naturally to me. I became well-versed in cataloguing using SirsiDynix Symphony software. What became a problem once my role changed to administrator, was my comfort running reports.

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April 15, 2025

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