Has your library ever struggled with tricky holiday decisions, confusing observance rules, or the great “should we have a Christmas tree in the lobby?” debate, then this episode is for you! 

As the holidays creep closer and every public space suddenly fills with cinnamon and Mariah Carey, libraries are busy figuring out how to celebrate, honour, and include everyone in their communities. And that’s where cultural calendars come in. 

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• How libraries are using cultural calendars  
   

• Ways to respectfully navigate feedback, decor debates, and strong opinions 
   

• How to move beyond performative “holiday lists” into genuine, day-to-day inclusion 
   

• Why a calendar isn’t the destination… it’s the starting point 

Thanks to Jennie Hamilton, Suzanne Fernando, and Charmaine De Castro for showing how thoughtful planning (and a lot of empathy) can transform how library teams support one another and serve their communities. 

Resources:  

CCDI Events calendar 

Government of Canada – Important and Commemorative Days 

OLA Anti-Racism Resources for Libraries  

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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.  

Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau. 

Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.

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For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠