Share
Post
Email
Share
Share
Share
About
Children’s Programming Confidence Camp is an in‑person, hands-on professional development experience designed to empower library workers who work with - or want to work with - children and youth to plan programs and deliver services with greater self-assurance, creativity, and intention.
Whether you’re new to children’s programming or looking to strengthen and refresh your approach, this camp will help you shift your mindset from “Is this good enough?” to “I know why this works.” Through practical sessions, shared learning, and real-world examples, participants will gain the confidence to take initiative, build meaningful partnerships, adopt or adapt engagement tactics, and thoughtfully design programs that truly deepen impact with not only children of all ages and development stages, but the parents and caregivers who support them as well.
Schedule
June 1
01
June
10:00 AM to 11:00 AMFrom Nerves to Nursery Rhymes: Confident Baby Programming
Babytime can feel intimidating—especially when grown‑ups are watching. This session demystifies baby programming by grounding it in child development and practical, repeatable structures. Participants will explore age‑appropriate songs, rhymes, movement, books, and transitions, learn how to engage caregivers without “mom‑splaining,” and practice techniques to feel confident, playful, and present—even if being silly doesn’t come naturally (yet).
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne has spent over 25 years bringing stories to life and making books extra fun for children and families. As a children’s librarian, recognized leader, and early literacy champion, she loves turning ideas into meaningful, memorable experiences through collaboration, learning, and (lots of) play while leaving a lasting impression on her audiences.
When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find Suzanne enjoying her own playful passions: hiking, biking, golfing, doing a hot yoga class, or soaking up some special time at the beach with family and friends.
01
June
11:00 AM to 12:00 PMFinding Your Storytime Style: Family Programs with Intention
Family storytime looks different everywhere—and that’s okay. This session focuses on designing inclusive, engaging storytimes for mixed‑age groups (0–5) that balance structure with flexibility. Together, we’ll look at book selection, pacing, transitions, partici it pation strategies, and accessibility considerations, while reinforcing the idea that there is no single “right” way to do storytime—only ways that work for you, your space, and your community.
Jessica Rigakos
Vaughan Public Libraries
Jessica Rigakos
Vaughan Public Libraries
Jessica Rigakos is an Information Assistant II - Youth Services at Vaughan Public Libraries. She received her Library and Information Technician diploma from Conestoga College. Jessica is passionate about early literacy, music, and creating engaging storytime experiences for children and families.
Margarita Cifuentes
Vaughan Public Libraries
Margarita Cifuentes
Vaughan Public Libraries
Margarita Cifuentes is a Youth Services Librarian at Vaughan Public Libraries. She holds a MI and MA in Spanish Literature from the University of Toronto and has experience working in academic and public libraries. Her current focus is on youth programming and collection development. Margarita is also passionate about scrapbooking and collecting stickers.
01
June
12:00 PM to 12:30 PMTried, Tested, and Truly Loved: Sharing Our Programming Favourites
A fast‑paced, collaborative sharing session where participants trade their favourite books, songs, finger rhymes, transitions, and programming “shortcuts.” Come ready to recommend something you love—and leave with a growing repertoire you can use immediately. Participants are encouraged (but not required!) to bring a favourite book or idea to share.
Larysa Essex
Midland Public Library
Larysa Essex
Midland Public Library
Larysa is the Children's Services Coordinator at the Midland Public Library. She has worked in public libraries since high school, as a page, and eventually became a librarian after realizing the teacher's college was definitely not for her. Larysa began her career at Toronto Public Library, where she worked in various branches and departments across the city, in several different roles. Eventually, city life became too much for her, and despite being born and raised in the city, she retreated to the countryside to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a small town girl.
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Dani Austin
Cambridge Public Library
Dani Austin
Cambridge Public Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne has spent over 25 years bringing stories to life and making books extra fun for children and families. As a children’s librarian, recognized leader, and early literacy champion, she loves turning ideas into meaningful, memorable experiences through collaboration, learning, and (lots of) play while leaving a lasting impression on her audiences.
When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find Suzanne enjoying her own playful passions: hiking, biking, golfing, doing a hot yoga class, or soaking up some special time at the beach with family and friends.
Jessica Rigakos
Vaughan Public Libraries
Jessica Rigakos
Vaughan Public Libraries
Jessica Rigakos is an Information Assistant II - Youth Services at Vaughan Public Libraries. She received her Library and Information Technician diploma from Conestoga College. Jessica is passionate about early literacy, music, and creating engaging storytime experiences for children and families.
Margarita Cifuentes
Vaughan Public Libraries
Margarita Cifuentes
Vaughan Public Libraries
Margarita Cifuentes is a Youth Services Librarian at Vaughan Public Libraries. She holds a MI and MA in Spanish Literature from the University of Toronto and has experience working in academic and public libraries. Her current focus is on youth programming and collection development. Margarita is also passionate about scrapbooking and collecting stickers.
01
June
12:30 PM to 01:30 PMLunch
Catered lunch will be provided.
01
June
01:30 PM to 02:15 PMClass Visits Without Panic: Structure, Flexibility, and Crowd Dynamics
Class visits can involve unpredictable group dynamics, wide developmental ranges, and big energy. This session focuses on practical approaches to planning and delivering class visits with confidence—from book talks and interactive elements to managing behaviour, adjusting on the fly, and setting realistic expectations. We’ll also explore how to connect visits to reading engagement and library relationships beyond the day itself.
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne has spent over 25 years bringing stories to life and making books extra fun for children and families. As a children’s librarian, recognized leader, and early literacy champion, she loves turning ideas into meaningful, memorable experiences through collaboration, learning, and (lots of) play while leaving a lasting impression on her audiences.
When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find Suzanne enjoying her own playful passions: hiking, biking, golfing, doing a hot yoga class, or soaking up some special time at the beach with family and friends.
01
June
02:30 PM to 03:15 PMSchool‑Aged Programming Made Manageable: Ideas, Structure, and Mindset
Programming for school‑aged children can bring new anxieties—especially around STEM, technology, group management, and wide age ranges. This session explores options for one‑off programs and series, station‑based designs, partnerships, and low‑pressure engagement strategies. Participants will leave with ideas, structures, and mindset shifts to help school‑aged programming feel exciting instead of overwhelming.
Larysa Essex
Midland Public Library
Larysa Essex
Midland Public Library
Larysa is the Children's Services Coordinator at the Midland Public Library. She has worked in public libraries since high school, as a page, and eventually became a librarian after realizing the teacher's college was definitely not for her. Larysa began her career at Toronto Public Library, where she worked in various branches and departments across the city, in several different roles. Eventually, city life became too much for her, and despite being born and raised in the city, she retreated to the countryside to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a small town girl.
Dani Austin
Cambridge Public Library
Dani Austin
Cambridge Public Library
01
June
03:15 PM to 04:00 PMYou’re Not Alone: Sharing, Planning, and Learning Together
In this highly interactive wrap‑up session, participants will work collaboratively to generate, shape, and share programming ideas. Using guided prompts and group activities, attendees will explore themes, outline sample programs, and exchange templates and approaches they can take back to their libraries. The goal: reinforce community, normalize uncertainty, and leave feeling supported, inspired, and ready to try something new.
Larysa Essex
Midland Public Library
Larysa Essex
Midland Public Library
Larysa is the Children's Services Coordinator at the Midland Public Library. She has worked in public libraries since high school, as a page, and eventually became a librarian after realizing the teacher's college was definitely not for her. Larysa began her career at Toronto Public Library, where she worked in various branches and departments across the city, in several different roles. Eventually, city life became too much for her, and despite being born and raised in the city, she retreated to the countryside to fulfill her lifelong dream of being a small town girl.
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Moira O'Dowd
Toronto Public Library
Dani Austin
Cambridge Public Library
Dani Austin
Cambridge Public Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne Main
Mississauga Library
Suzanne has spent over 25 years bringing stories to life and making books extra fun for children and families. As a children’s librarian, recognized leader, and early literacy champion, she loves turning ideas into meaningful, memorable experiences through collaboration, learning, and (lots of) play while leaving a lasting impression on her audiences.
When she’s off the clock, you’ll likely find Suzanne enjoying her own playful passions: hiking, biking, golfing, doing a hot yoga class, or soaking up some special time at the beach with family and friends.
Jessica Rigakos
Vaughan Public Libraries
Jessica Rigakos
Vaughan Public Libraries
Jessica Rigakos is an Information Assistant II - Youth Services at Vaughan Public Libraries. She received her Library and Information Technician diploma from Conestoga College. Jessica is passionate about early literacy, music, and creating engaging storytime experiences for children and families.
Margarita Cifuentes
Vaughan Public Libraries
Margarita Cifuentes
Vaughan Public Libraries
Margarita Cifuentes is a Youth Services Librarian at Vaughan Public Libraries. She holds a MI and MA in Spanish Literature from the University of Toronto and has experience working in academic and public libraries. Her current focus is on youth programming and collection development. Margarita is also passionate about scrapbooking and collecting stickers.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Yes, you’ll need to fill out our registration form to gain access to the event. Please fill in the registration form with some basic information to get started.
The information you provide upon registration will only be used to establish you as an attendee and to communicate event updates and news.
No - this is an in-person event and all sessions will be live on location. No recordings will be available of sessions after the event, so we hope you can join us in person!
OLA's Code of Conduct policy applies to all event attendees, sponsors and speakers. Please review the document at this link.
Visit the OLA website today! Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the library and information profession, and there are different types to choose from. Membership is annual from the month in which it is first taken out. All members are extended voting rights, the right to hold office, the right to participate on committees and receive exclusive discounts on events, programs, publications and related services as announced. Membership is non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you have questions, please email membership@accessola.com
This event has been created by OLA in partnership with a handful of incredible and accomplished children's programmers:
Carys Fisher, Mississauga Library
Suzanne Main, Mississauga Library
Larysa Essex, Midland Public Library
Moira O'Dowd, Toronto Public Library
Margarita Cifuentes, Vaughan Public Libraries
Jessica Rigakos, Vaughan Public Libraries
Nicole Agar, Caledon Public Library
Dani Austin, Cambridge Public Library
Serena McGovern, Barrie Public Library
Without this crew, this event would not be possible, and we are so grateful for their service to the profession.
