Learn with LiRN 2026
DoubleTree Hotel, 108 Chestnut St., Toronto – Oct. 22 – 23, 2026
Conference Agenda
This will be finalized & distributed 2 weeks before the conference.
Remote Attendance
Once again LiRN will offer remote attendance for those who cannot attend. While we encourage as you to take advantage of in person networking opportunities, we will make efforts to include you in the conversation via Zoom. Staff will monitor the chat for questions and comments during presentations.
When joining the Zoom call, please ensure that your name and association are clearly identified to be admitted.
Remote Meeting Room via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83456436685
Conference Deadlines
If your attendance changes, please let both LiRN and the Hotel know as quickly as possible.
| Deadlines for LWL 2026 | Date |
| Conference Registration | Sept. 22 |
| Hotel Reservation | Sept. 30 |
| Thursday Dinner Reservation | TBD |
| Last day to Cancel Hotel / Registration | Oct. 17 |
| Expense Form Deadline for Reimbursement from LiRN | Nov. 23 |
Programme
CanLII + AI – Remote Access to Reputable Canadian AI
Brenda Alm – CanLII – Manager of Partnerships and Content
CanLII (Lexum) will demonstrate the power of CanLII Search+, how it works, what to watch out form and design decisions. Learn about this important – and free! – AI legal research tool.
Beyond the Stacks: Engaging Today’s Law Students
Alexis Loumankis (Reference & Research Librarian) & John Bolan, (Head of Instructional Services) | Bora Laskin Law Library | University of Toronto
Indigenous Women in Incarceration
Kelly Potvin – Executive Director of Elizabeth Fry Toronto
As an integral part of the justice system, you often indigenous women in the courthouse, awaiting their fate. Many of you offer meaningful supports such as Stormont’s Gently Used Clothing for those who are discharged but without proper attire, and Durham’s Blessings Bags.
LiRN is offering an opportunity to deepen your understanding of what Canadian indigenous women face once once incarcerated.
Content Note: This session includes discussion of the realities of Canadian women’s prisons, including conditions of confinement may not be compliant with the Geneva Convention on the ethical treatment of prisoners. The content may be intense or distressing for some participants. We invite you to engage in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.
YOU!
The conference will kick off with a chance for everyone to get acquainted and renew old friendships.
Please be prepared to introduce yourself to your colleagues with some interesting facts about yourself.
This year, we are also asking you to share an interesting innovation or reference question that you have had. Your colleagues want to learn from YOU!
What is the Innovation that you are most proud of? OR What reference question had you stumped but you saved the day! Share with your colleagues some great feedback that acknowledged the great work that you have done!
In order to facilitate relationships across the network, we will have assigned seating for Thursday only. We hope that you will make at least one contact to help you when you need to phone a friend!
LiRN Update
Presenters: Theresa Leitch (Managing Director, LiRN), Vicki Whitmell (LiRN Board Chair)
- Introduction of new Law Librarian: Jennifer Walker
- LiRN LiNK
- Grant software management
- Update on Library Operations Policy
- Update on LibChat/ Text roll-out
Vendor Presentations
Westlaw, Lexis+, vlex – Back this year!
Our vendors will be in booths on Thursday if you have any questions for them. They will also speak about new developments (particularly AI news) about their products.
Tour of the Great Library – 130 Queen St. West
On Friday afternoon at 1:30, join the Great Library Staff for a tour of their recently renovated space and an overview of the recent changes that have taken place. This is a great chance to meet their Great Librarians and their team!
Many of you have signed up for customized library pages, complete with association branding. If you haven’t, this visit offers a chance to learn more about this option.
The majestic Great Library room is also well-known for its striking architecture, which has been featured in films and stunning photography! If you have not visited before, it is worth your time!
Getting There: 130 Queen St. West – Osgoode Hall: Enter via the Centre doors – go through Courthouse Security, then up Blue staircase – Library entrance though engraved glass doors on the South side.
More Speakers and Sessions to come pending confirmations!
Registration
Learn with LiRN 2026 Registration Form -DEADLINE – Sept. 22
Please complete so that we have your dietary needs for in-person attendance (based upon the hotel’s caterers).
Why you should attend!
- Great networking opportunities to meet/reconnect with your library colleagues across the province
- Customized professional development sessions for courthouse libraries
- Learn from your colleagues about best practices and innovations that they do in their libraries
- Get your elevator speech ready to introduce yourself to your colleagues
- Learn about interesting reference questions that they have handled
- Explore new tools and strategies in legal librarianship today
- Networking, learning and growth await you!
Group Dinner – Thursday evening
Details to come in September!
Conference FAQs
Learn all the information you will need about attending the conference including suggested attire. FAQs for 2026 to come!
Hotel
- This year Learn with LiRN 2026 will once again be held at the DoubleTree Hotel, 108 Chestnut St., Toronto.
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Attendees can make a reservation by calling 1-800-445-8667 or the hotel directly at 416-977-5000. Please mention the group code CDT95K along with your intended dates of stay to secure the group rate.
Note: The booking weblink will expire on September 30th, 2026 and cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid charges.
- The DoubleTree is conveniently located steps from St. Patrick subway station, as well as the TMU/Dundas station subway station (15 min walk).
- The DoubleTree has a pool, fitness centre and complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Our Conference will be held in the Toronto Ballroom on the 2nd floor.
- The Great Library, 130 Queen St. W., is also close-by in Osgoode Hall [400m from the hotel; 15 min. walk]
Expense Form / Travel
LiRN will cover the hotel expenses for 1 person from each Association if travelling from outside Toronto (50 km radius). If not staying at the hotel, mileage expenses can still be reimbursed for 1 person from each association (even if under the 50 km radius). Refer to the link Expense Report Instructions for the LwL Conference for more information.
Expense Form to come in September. Deadline to submit the form and receipts for reimbursement is Nov. 23, 2026. Reimbursement will be provided by ETF only this year. Please see instructions for more information.
Map of Area
