FYI,   Sharing this list of resources that a colleague from another state compiled whose state has experienced another mass shooting recently. ~Sharon   *Talking with Children about Difficult Things in the News -* *Fred Rogers Institute* Since we first released our "Talking with Children About Difficult Things in the News" PDF in 2021, it has become the FRI's most-downloaded resource. The topic of how to talk with children and young people about scary news and major world events has become one ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Shared with me by my colleague from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.   The registration for Rural Library Network eSummit, scheduled for December 3rd, is now open! *Register here, at no cost*!   This eSummit will feature national speakers, local community program bright spots, and incentives!   ****Note: We are still accepting proposals for the Breakout Sessions.  **😉* * * “Any of the topics below would be great! Also, the “call for proposal” page has some guid ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Some of you might remember that Casi Herrera was the national trainer who  worked with me and Doug Baldwin from Piscataway Public Library on the statewide Leap into Science trainings a number of years ago before she left to work with Project Scientist ~ Sharon   *Project Scientist Spring Explorers Club Applications are OPEN!* Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of brilliant scientists, engineers, and innovators? Project Scientist is looking for enthusiastic educators and organiz ...Continue Reading

FYI, *NJ STEM Month Mini Grant Application Now Open*** Thanks to the generosity of the Overdeck Family Foundation, 2026 NJ STEM Month mini-grants are available in amounts of up to $500 to amplify the impact of your events and programming. Event/program activities can include hosting costs such as snacks, meals, transportation, materials, etc.   The deadline to submit is January 9, 2026. Learn more at www.njstempathwa ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI,   *Research Ready: Resources for Supporting Teens – Webinar Series – Registration Open* * * You’re invited to participate in the five-part series of virtual sessions of one hour in length to equip you, as a teen or adult public librarian, with the essential tools and strategies to support teens' skills in conducting academic research. The series, sponsored by the NJ State Library, will be facilitated by Christine Jansen, Research and Instruction Librarian at Fairleigh ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Fort Lee Public Library is one of the libraires that tested out this program! ~Sharon   *Free Programming Toolkit Helps Equip Libraries to Address Youth Mental Health*** Since its inception in 2022, Nourishing Minds has evolved from a pioneering project into a comprehensive framework transforming how libraries support youth mental health. Initiated by The Seattle Public Library (SPL), Nourishing Minds has now unveiled a free, practical approach to assist library workers in creating a ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Just passing this along.   *BCCLS - Youth Services Book Buzz * For the second year, we will have representatives from several publishers to talk about new and upcoming releases for kids and teens. *Wednesday, October 22 from 10am - 1pm at the Township of Washington Public Library 144 Woodfield Road, Township of Washington, NJ 07676* * Arrival starts at 9:30am - come in to grab some food and mix and mingle!  There will be SWAG! Totes, arcs, and snacks, oh my!* Participating publishers include ( ...Continue Reading

FYI,   I’m sharing this survey on behalf of the NJ Association of School Librarians (NJASL) for anyone who is working as a school library media specialist (SLMS) who might not be a member of NJASL. For those of you working in public libraries, please share this widely with your local school library media specialists.  Thank you!   *NJASL Survey of School Library Media Specialists*   New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) is asking all school library media specialists(SLMS) to participa ...Continue Reading

FYI,   NJ Stem Month is in March and I know that public libraries have received these mini grants in the past to use for NJ Makers Day events. ~Sharon *NJ STEM Month Mini Grant Application Now Open*** Thanks to the generosity of the Overdeck Family Foundation, 2026 NJ STEM Month mini-grants are available in amounts of up to $500 to amplify the impact of your events and programming. Event/program activities can include hosting costs such as snacks, meals, transportation, ...Continue Reading

FYI,   *_Teen Dialogue Accelerator National Initiative – Deadline to Apply October 13, 2025_* Calling all libraries! Do you have… ✓a young patron (aged 16-24) with excellent leadership skills in your community? ✓ staff with 5-7 hours per month to work with this young patron?  ✓a mission to foster youth leadership through constructive dialogue and community building? Cortico, in collaboration with the MIT Center for Constructive Communication (MIT CCC) and PBS FRONTLINE, invites your library to apply for the * ...Continue Reading