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I can't believe I hadn't heard of ‘The Canadian Library Challenges Database’ until this year... though perhaps I did in University or at some point in the past. Either way, it never came to my attention when I was actually dealing with a materials challenge. Its scope is broader than I expected, covering not just collection items but also challenges to displays, programs, room bookings, and computer access. After just discovering, I wanted to share to help make library board members, fellow librarians, and anyone with the responsibility of addressing a materials request for a library aware of it. The Canadian Library Challenges DatabaseThe Canadian Library Challenges Database is maintained by CFE-CFLA/FCAB and documents challenges faced by Canadian libraries. Each entry provides the following information about the challenge:
 Image generated with ChatGPT.
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With the rise in forest fires becoming a significant concern across Canada, staying informed is more important than ever. Recent years, particularly 2018 (British Columbia wildfires), 2019 (Alberta wildfires), 2021 (Lytton wildfire), and 2023 (Alberta wildfires) have seen record-breaking wildfire seasons, significantly impacting air quality and public health. Currently, Manitoba is experiencing many active wildfires, leading to the closure of many provincial parks. Nopiming Provincial Park has been particularly hit hard, highlighting the need for reliable, timely information. One invaluable resource I've discovered and want to share is FireSmoke Canada. FireSmoke CanadaFireSmoke Canada provides real-time visualizations and forecasts of wildfire smoke across Canada and North America. Its interactive map clearly illustrates the density and movement of smoke, offering valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about outdoor activities, health precautions, and travel planning. Given the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, FireSmoke Canada is a must-bookmark site. Whether you're sensitive to air quality or simply want to monitor environmental conditions, this tool provides essential, timely data to keep you informed and prepared. Stay safe, stay informed, and share this resource to help your community navigate wildfire seasons effectively.  Image generated with ChatGPT.
On May 6th and 7th, I attended the Manitoba Libraries Conference hosted by the Manitoba Library Association (MLA). As an MLA member, I deeply appreciate this gathering. It's an invaluable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, discover innovative practices, and reflect on my own professional growth. This year was especially exciting as I co-presented a session titled "Demystifying ChatGPT: AI Innovations for Libraries & Digital Repositories" alongside Mike Ellis.  Day 1: Insights, Ideas, and AI InnovationsThe conference began with a powerful keynote by Niigaan Sinclair. Niigaan, an Anishinaabe professor from Peguis First Nation, immediately captured my attention with his compelling storytelling and incisive commentary. He contextualized Manitoba’s past and present, thoughtfully reflecting on the Legislative building and the statues toppled in recent years. His point about the absence of Indigenous representation being akin to starting a story at chapter two was particularly impactful. Niigan’s discussion on generational change, highlighted by Manitoba electing Canada’s first Indigenous premier, Wag Kinew, provided insight and perspective. His masterful balance between serious topics, such as residential schools and red dress day, and his use of humour underscored the value of open and straightforward conversations. The first session I attended, “Not Just for Kids: Engaging Adults and Building Community Using Storytime and Music Programs”, led by Austin Matheson and Brittany Lagasse from Winnipeg Public Library, was delightful. It expanded my perspective on adult programming and reminded me of the potential for community-building through creative initiatives like ukulele jams. Given that my previous assistant branch head occasionally serenaded us with her ukulele, this session triggered some memories. After preparing the laptop for my presentation, I quickly assembled a delicious lunch plate, though I had to temporarily stash it behind the projector screen. Despite starting slightly late due to the lunchtime rush, Mike and I had an impressive turnout, with attendees overflowing onto the floor! Mike’s engaging case study on PastFORWARD, Winnipeg Public Library’s digital repository, showcased an innovative AI application in archiving and elicited both laughter and lively participation from the audience. Although time for questions was limited, attendees raised insightful queries about generative AI trained on creative commons materials and the environmental implications of AI. Post-session, I enjoyed meaningful one-on-one discussions about generative AI and potential applications, including possibilities for interlibrary loan systems. Afterward, I enjoyed my lunch in the main hall and had an engaging conversation with Trevor, a new connection who shared interests in generative AI, libraries, astronomy, camping, and world travel. The afternoon continued with enlightening lightning talks on diverse library initiatives, from updating furniture (“Hold on to Your Seat - Or Don't!”) to enhancing bilingual collections and supporting male caregivers in early literacy programs. These brief yet impactful presentations sparked numerous programming ideas for my own library. The day concluded wonderfully with finger foods and mingling, leaving me eager for day two. Day 2: Exploring Library Practice and PhilosophyDay two started with the MLA Annual General Meeting, providing a relaxed and productive beginning to the day. It was wonderful connecting with colleagues over coffee, meeting new faces, and exchanging insights. The first session of the day, “Nature Programs in a Rural Public Library: Hatching Chicks and Growing Vegetables”, inspired fresh ideas for nature-focused programming. Learning about initiatives like donating produce grown in library gardens reinforced the innovative ways libraries serve their communities. “Staff Picks: A Fun, Online Readers’ Advisory Program Model for Your Library” provided practical inspiration for an upcoming autumn ‘Staff Picks’ display. A valuable takeaway from this session was the reminder that “tech should be a tool that supports what you do, not dictate it.” The session “In Search of the Lost Library”, presented by librarians from the University of Winnipeg, demonstrated creative solutions for addressing discrepancies in catalogue entries. While their final solution didn’t utilize generative AI, their recognition of it as a potential solution brought a smile to my face, aligning with my interest in integrating AI into library workflows. Lunch and the awards ceremony, featuring speaker Chimwemwe Undi, were enjoyable and celebratory. Congratulations to all award winners! In the afternoon, Sam Popowich’s session, “The Cultural Politics of Libraries”, was particularly thought-provoking. Sam compellingly argued for recognizing libraries as politically active institutions, examining the 'enlightenment' versus 'social control' perspectives on library history. After the session, Sam generously gifted me his book, "Solving Names: Worldliness and Metaphysics in Librarianship", a thoughtful gesture and a read I’ve already begun to enjoy. The final session I attended, “The Burnt-Out Librarian: Moving on From Vocational Awe”, tackled an important yet often overlooked issue. Carolyn and Monique shared personal experiences and offered practical strategies to address burnout, reinforcing the importance of maintaining healthy engagement with our profession. If you’re interested in exploring the content from my session, I’ve included two versions of the presentation slides in PDF format: a short presentation version (as delivered at the conference) and a more detailed version for deeper context and explanation. I hope these resources offer insight into our session and inspire new ways to explore the role of generative AI in libraries. Reflecting on these two enriching days, I felt a great sense of community and connection. The Manitoba Libraries Conference reaffirmed my passion for librarianship, highlighted extraordinary work happening throughout Manitoba, and reinforced my belief that librarians and library workers truly do rule. Until next time!  The digital world is brimming with information—but not all of it is accurate. With AI-generated content flooding our feeds and misinformation becoming more sophisticated, verifying facts has never been more crucial. Whether you're researching for work, keeping up with the news, or simply scrolling through social media, sharpening your fact-checking skills can help you separate truth from deception. Here’s how to sharpen your perception, enhance your awareness, and become a more informed consumer of information.  Generated with DALL·E. Five Key Strategies for Verifying Information1. Research the Author or Organization A source’s credibility matters. Before trusting information, investigate who is behind it:
2. Use Smart Search Techniques Finding reliable sources quickly depends on how you search. Here are a few techniques to refine your results:
3. Verify the Original Source Many articles cite secondhand sources—but are they trustworthy?
4. Consult Fact-Checking Websites Independent fact-checkers help cut through the noise. Some recommended resources include:
5. Pause and Reflect If a claim sparks an emotional reaction, that’s a red flag. Misinformation thrives on outrage and urgency. Before sharing or believing a story, take a step back and ask:
Beyond the Basics: Fact-Checking FrameworksThe SIFT Method: A Fast, Effective Approach Mike Caulfield’s SIFT method offers a quick way to assess information:
The P.R.O.V.E.N. Method: A Deeper Dive For more thorough evaluation, use the P.R.O.V.E.N. method:
Lateral Reading: Thinking Like a Fact-Checker Instead of staying on one page, open new tabs and check:
Final Thoughts: Build Your Information ResilienceAI-generated content isn’t going anywhere, and misinformation continues to evolve. Developing strong fact-checking habits keeps you informed and protects you from misleading claims. Next time you come across a viral story, a surprising statistic, or a claim that seems off, take a moment to verify before you share. The more we question, the better we can navigate today’s information landscape.  Generated with DALL·E. What’s Your Go-To Fact-Checking Method?Have a favourite strategy or a trusted source you rely on? Let’s discuss in the comments!
On Thursday, March 27th, I headed to the Lockhart Planetarium at the University of Manitoba. The event, ‘Storytelling of the Stars’, led by Rockford McKay and Dr. Phil Ferguson, immediately brought to mind Wilfred Buck’s ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’, which I read last year. The evening was filled with connection and recognition—some stories familiar, some new, and many deepened by hearing them aloud beneath a simulated night sky. Just as I’ve gradually learned the names and positions of many IAU-standardized constellations, I’m now doing the same with Indigenous constellations. Repetition, each retelling, roots the stories deeper within. Turtle Island & Makinak: A Living CalendarIn many Indigenous traditions, North America is Turtle Island, where the turtle is more than symbolic. The constellation Cepheus represents Makinak—the turtle whose shell is a living calendar: thirteen plates for thirteen full moons, twenty-eight edge divisions for twenty-eight days between moons. Long before our modern calendar, the sky and turtle shell tracked time together. Many will recognize Cepheus as a house due to its brightest stars, but to Indigenous storytellers, Makinak’s shell tells a deeper tale of cosmic rhythm.  ‘Edwin Bighetty. Makinak: Cepheus’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’ Atima Atchakosuk: The Dog Stars & Mista Muskwa: The Great Bear ‘Edwin Bighetty. Ahtimah Atchakosuk: Polaris & Little Dipper’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’ The Big and Little Dippers share a corner of the sky and intertwined stories. At the event, we explored Atima Atchakosuk—the Dog Stars. Long ago, humans had no protectors, vulnerable to nightly dangers. Mikun (Wolf) sent two pups to guard us, and later Mischachakanis (Coyote) and Makisew (Fox) followed, sending more dogs. These dogs became our early warning system. The Little Dipper represents their leash, with Polaris as the tether—forever circling the celestial camp, alert and guarding.   Images from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’ But danger also lurked above. Mista Muskwa—the Great Bear (Big Dipper)—embodies greed and imbalance. The bear demanded constant gifts, becoming violent if refused. Eventually, seven birds--Tepakoop Pinesisuk—were sent to restore harmony. They chased the bear until he fled to the sky, where the chase continues each autumn, the constellation “running" along the horizon. It’s a story of imbalance, of consequences, and of community coming together to restore harmony.  ‘Edwin Bighetty. Mista Muskwa: Big Dipper’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’ These stories weave together, offering layered perspectives. The dogs are our guardians, while the bear reminds us of the dangers of greed—and the power of collective action. The event summarized these narratives; the book deepened them with details. Achakos Ininewuk: The Star PeopleOne of the most memorable teachings I heard that night and one that I recall often when looking up at the night sky is that we are Star People. Carl Sagan’s words, “we are made of star-stuff”, echoed in Indigenous wisdom. At creation, Misewa (everything that is) received a spark--Achak—from the Creator, animating all things. Thus, stones (Assiniuk) are alive, animate with spirit. Death becomes transformation, not termination. Our ancestors arrived via Achakos Iskwew (Star Woman), who descended through a hole in the sky marked by the Pleiades--Pakone Kisik—and chose to come to Aski (Earth). I look up at them now not just as a glittering cluster, but as a portal. A reminder of the indigenous arrival story.  ‘Edwin Bighetty. Atchakos Ahkoop: Pleiades’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’ Kiwtin: The Going Home StarPolaris—the North Star—is called Kiwtin, the Going Home Star. Fixed in the sky, it guides those lost or returning home. The two bowl stars in the Big Dipper (Great Bear’s hind legs) consistently point toward it, an ancient navigational aid. Kiwtin is a foundational reference point for navigating the night sky. Orion & The Sweat Lodge: MatootisanOrion, known to many as the Hunter, carries another powerful Indigenous story. Orion is Mistapew, a giant spirit-being resembling a Sasquatch or Sa’be, embodying strength and honesty—one of the Seven Sacred Teachings. In ‘Tipiskawi Kisik’, the tale unfolds through Tikoom, whose seven uncles disappeared during a hunting trip, captured by a giant trading in spirits. Their spirits were placed in seven stones, foundational to the first sweat lodge--Matootisan. Each stone holds a sacred teaching, a fragment of spirit, and a tale passed down generations.  ‘Edwin Bighetty. Mistapew: Orion’ from ‘Tipiskawi Kisik: Night Sky Star Stories’ Guided by the Seven TeachingsThroughout the evening the Seven Sacred Teachings emerged repeatedly:
I had first encountered these teachings while walking the Bimose Kinoomagewnan (Walk of Teachings) trail in Pukaskwa National Park. Seeing them mirrored in the sky makes them feel even more eternal. As above, so below. Seven Sacred Teachings: Respect, Truth, Wisdom, Honesty, Courage, Love & Humility Photos taken by me in July 2022 Final ReflectionsFrom ‘Storytelling of the Stars’ and revisiting ‘Tipiskawi Kisik’, I’m reminded that astronomy transcends charts and data. It is ancestral, emotional, and spiritual. Constellations are not mere configurations of light. They are maps of memory. Guardians of wisdom. Bridges between worlds. And as we lift our eyes to the sky, we are reminded: We are not separate from the stars. We are made of them. Sources:
Note: These stories are shared as I heard, read, and remembered them. Your understanding or stories might differ, or my interpretations might not fully match your own. I welcome corrections, perspectives, or stories via email or comments below.
This past weekend, something rare and quietly extraordinary unfolded in the skies above northeastern North America: a partial solar eclipse at sunrise — and with it, the eerie illusion of a ‘double sunrise’ or ‘devil’s horns’.  Generated with DALL·E. For those who were in just the right spot — places like eastern Maine, coastal New Brunswick, or the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec — the Sun didn’t rise as a single glowing disc. Instead, two crescent-shaped horns of sunlight crept above the horizon, side by side, separated by the shadow of the Moon. This fleeting illusion is called a ‘double sunrise’, and it’s the result of a rare alignment where a partial solar eclipse begins (or reaches its peak) at the exact moment the Sun is rising. So what’s actually happening?A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun but doesn’t cover it completely. Instead, it obscures only a portion of the Sun’s face. When this happens at sunrise, the Sun emerges with a large chunk ‘missing’. And in cases like March 29, 2025 — when the Moon covered 80–90% of the Sun in those regions — only the far edges of the Sun remained visible, appearing like two separate horns of light on the horizon. Why is it so rare?Because for this to happen:
Photos shared on social media captured the moment brilliantly. The first image below, taken by Fabrizio Melandri in Monticello, Maine, shows the textbook ‘devil’s horns’ silhouette — sharp, symmetrical, and surreal. The second set of images, taken by Colleen Logan on the Atlantic coast of Canada, shows the Sun’s eerie progression through cloud-fringed treetops.  ‘Horns of fire’ rising over Maine – captured by Fabrizio Melandri.  Images captured by Colleen Logan from the Atlantic coast of Canada. For more about how solar eclipses work — and where this one was visible — check out: If you missed it, don’t worry — part of the joy in these events is knowing how rare and serendipitous they are. And when the skies do offer up a gift like this, it reminds us to keep looking up. Clear skies, friends.The internet is a vast, ever-expanding landscape of information, social connection, and convenience. But just like any city with bustling streets and hidden alleyways, navigating the digital world requires caution. Online safety isn’t just about avoiding obvious scams—it’s about developing a mindset that keeps your personal information secure, your devices protected, and your digital footprint under control.  Generated with DALL·E. What is Online Safety?Online safety refers to the practices and precautions individuals take to protect themselves, their personal data, and their digital identities from cyber threats. These threats range from phishing scams and malware to identity theft and privacy breaches. Staying safe online means understanding these risks and actively taking steps to reduce them. Main Facets of Online Safety
Tips, Best Practices, and Rules of Thumb1. Strengthen Your Passwords
2. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
3. Protect Your Devices with Security Software
4. Be Mindful of Your Digital Footprint
5. Browse Safely and Avoid Suspicious Websites
6. Stay Vigilant on Social Media
7. Verify Before Trusting Online Information
8. Shop and Bank Securely Online
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay SecureOnline safety isn’t a one-time action—it’s an ongoing practice. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, but by staying informed, adopting secure habits, and using common sense, you can navigate the digital world with confidence. Whether you’re shopping, socializing, or simply browsing, a little caution goes a long way in protecting yourself from potential threats. By treating your online presence like you would your home—locking doors (passwords), checking visitors (verifying links), and securing valuables (personal data)—you can enjoy the internet’s benefits while minimizing its risks. Stay safe, stay smart, and stay cyber-aware! Generated with DALL·E.
I've always been curious about how well ChatGPT can generate functional code. To test its capabilities, I decided to start with something relatively simple but still interactive: coding a basic Space Invaders game. I wanted to see how well ChatGPT could generate a working program, how adaptable it would be to my requests, and whether I could refine and improve the code through iterative prompts. This experience turned into an engaging coding experiment, showing me just how powerful AI-assisted development can be.  Generated with DALL·E. Defining the ProjectSpace Invaders is a classic arcade game where the player controls a spaceship that moves left and right, shooting enemies descending from the top of the screen. The game involves essential programming concepts like:
Iterating on the CodeI began by asking ChatGPT to generate a basic Space Invaders game in CodeSkulptor. The initial version included:
The Final ResultBy the end of this experiment, I had a functional and customizable Space Invaders game running in CodeSkulptor. The iterative process demonstrated how well ChatGPT can understand and implement coding requests, allowing for quick modifications and enhancements. For those interested, I highly recommend trying out the code in CodeSkulptor and playing around with your own modifications. The experience is a great way to learn how game logic works while also exploring AI-assisted development. Download the Code Below
 Generated with DALL·E. Looking Ahead: The Power of AI Coding AssistanceThis experience left me excited to continue exploring coding with ChatGPT. Now that o3-mini-high is available—a model that is supposed to be even more proficient at coding—I’m even more eager to see how it improves code generation, debugging, and refactoring. With each iteration, AI models are becoming more adept at understanding context, implementing changes effectively, and even suggesting improvements I might not have thought of myself. If this simple Space Invaders game was just the beginning, I can only imagine how far AI-powered coding assistance can take us. Imagine being able to code entirely in natural language! Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced developer looking to prototype ideas quickly, ChatGPT is proving to be an invaluable tool in the coding process.
I've been playing around with ChatGPT for a while now, experimenting with its ability to generate and refine stories, especially those rooted in science. One of my latest projects was crafting a science fiction short story that balances scientific accuracy with a sense of curiosity and wonder—something in the flavour of Carl Sagan.  Generated with DALL·E. The process? A mix of notes, structured planning, AI-assisted brainstorming, research, and a lot of tweaking:
Final Touches: Bringing the Story to Life with Video & MusicTo enhance the experience, I experimented with Sora to create short videos for each chapter, the title screen, and ending. I compiled these into videos for the story, trying two different approaches:
On top of that, I wanted an atmospheric soundtrack, so I used ChatGPT to craft a dungeon synth instrumental prompt for Suno. I’ve been really into dungeon synth lately, and this story felt like the perfect inspiration for something melancholic, immersive, and cosmic. Suno generated two versions: After all that experimenting, refining, and assembling, here’s the final outcome: ‘Echoes of a Dying Star’—a story that explores the cosmic scale of a supernova through the perspectives of a doomed autonomous research probe, a distant spaceship, Earth-based observers, and even the Andromeda Galaxy. Check out the story, and watch the accompanying videos below! Echoes of a Dying StarEchoes of a Dying Star - Video 1Echoes of a Dying Star - Video 2
First, I experimented with ChatGPT 4, using the following prompt: Write a fairytale in the style of the Brothers Grimm to communicate the meaning of the following quote: “insert quote here.” I then tested ChatGPT o1 with the same prompt. With this straightforward instruction, I watched as ChatGPT spun imaginative fairy-tale narratives, each crafted to illuminate the core message of the quote in question. Despite the simplicity of the prompt, the stories that emerged were rich in imagery and moral depth, perfectly capturing that timeless Brothers Grimm flair. ChatGPT 4 tended to produce more intricate plots with rich symbolism and nuanced character development, while ChatGPT o1 tended to generate simpler, more straightforward tales that still conveyed the meaning of quotes effectively. Both versions demonstrated a strong ability to distill meaning into compelling folklore-style narratives. Collected Brothers Grimm-Style Stories Generated via ChatGPT (GPT-4 & o1)One of the things that impressed me most was how easy it would be to adapt these short stories for story time programming at public libraries. Librarians can quickly generate age-appropriate tales with built-in morals, lessons, or pop culture phrases, then share them with young audiences in a fun, engaging way. And if you add an image generation tool—like DALL·E or another AI art generator—you can produce simple illustrations to accompany each story, making the entire experience even more magical and visually appealing. There’s real value in these stories, not just for children but for adults as well. Narratives are a powerful way to communicate values, spark imagination, and provide insight. They allow us to see ourselves in characters and situations, giving life to abstract ideas in a relatable form. Whether you’re reinforcing a personal mantra, teaching a life lesson, or simply entertaining an audience, stories transcend age and background. They capture the heart and the mind all at once. For those looking to explore creative writing or enhance their library programs, I highly recommend experimenting with ChatGPT. It’s an enjoyable and effective way to bring fresh, imaginative content to life—whether you’re spinning your own fairy-tale world or passing on time-honoured wisdom in new and exciting forms.  Generated with DALL·E.
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