FYI, I’m sharing this nationwide survey from my colleague at the Washington State Library. ~ Sharon Hello Youth Services colleagues! After months of planning and thoughtful collaboration, the [1] Wisconsin State Library Agency and the [2] Washington State Library (in partnership with many others) are proud to officially kick off the first-ever nationwide surveying of Games-based Library Services – a key component of our [3]National Games & Libraries Project (funded by an ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, It’s not too late to apply for the Money Smart for Life award! And, I am conducting a short survey for youth services staff in public libraries and would really appreciate it if you could help me out by completing it. Money Smart for Life Award! Deadline to apply is June 5, 2026 This award is designed to recognize libraries coordinating programs that support financial literacy education to community members of any age. Submit an application to nominate ...Continue Reading

FYI, My colleague from the Wyoming State Library is inviting teen library staff from other states to attend this webinar. ~Sharon ------ [IMAGE] Ever feel like 'connecting with teens' is a puzzle where the pieces keep changing shape? You aren't alone! In this episode, we're spreading the truth: the secret ingredient to a welcoming library isn't just the books, or the Wi-Fi -- it's the relationships. Join us with special guests from Arapahoe Libraries as we dive into actionable s ...Continue Reading

FYI, Just sharing that the National Book Foundation has its own summer reading program. See more information about it below. ~Sharon All the Best, Sharon Rawlins, (she/her) MLSharon Rawlins (she/her) Youth Services Specialist Library Development New Jersey State Library 609-278-2640 x116 185 West State Street P.O. Box 520, Trenton, NJ 08625 [1]Logo for the NJ 250 exhibit featuring the background image of a historic map. NJ250 Living Documents, Evolving Rights 1776-2026. ...Continue Reading

FYI, New Jersey State Library Youth Services Survey I am conducting a short survey to get a better understanding of what topics or trainings the NJ State Library can offer youth services library staff members in public libraries. I would really appreciate it if you could take a little time to complete it: [1]Youth Services Survey from the New Jersey State Library (NJSL) – Fill out form Thank you! ~Sharon All the Best, Sharon Rawlins (she/her) Youth Services Specialist ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge This summer, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, all children (K-8) are invited to join in the [1] Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. Participants will read and track 12 books of their choice between June 1 and September 4. Readers can receive a personalized certificate, an America 250th anniversary-themed bookmark, and a special link to win a prize! Readers will also be entered ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, LibraryLinkNJ, The New Jersey Library Cooperative (LLNJ) and the New Jersey State Library (NJSL) are seeking strong library advocates to serve as representatives on the Library Network Review Board. Representatives will serve a two-year term for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. Representatives of all types of libraries, including K-12 school, academic, and public libraries, are encouraged to apply. The Library Network Review Board (L ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, Hi, Everyone, The CSLP Vendor and Artwork committees are currently accepting feedback from member public libraries for the 2028 theme/slogan. The theme is Mythical Creatures, and the slogan is Libraries Are Legendary. As we start work on creating artwork/selecting products for 2028, we are asking member libraries for feedback. This survey is open through June 7th, and we'd love for anyone in your library who has anything to do with summer to give their ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, Just passing the message below along. ~Sharon All the Best, Sharon Rawlins (she/her) Youth Services Specialist Library Development New Jersey State Library P. 609-278-2640 x116 E. sraw[1]...@njstatelib.org W. www.njstatelib.org 185 West State Street P.O. Box 520, Trenton, NJ 08625 [2]Logo for the NJ 250 exhibit featuring the background image of a historic map. NJ250 Living Documents, Evolving Rights 1776-2026. The image is hype ...Continue Reading

FYI, Sharing this on behalf of Carol Simon Levin. ~ Sharon If any of you (or your adult departments) haven't completed summer program planning, feel free to get in touch. I have a new program on pioneering paleontologist Mary Anning for Unearth a Story™ CSLP Summer Reading Club [IMAGE] Mary Anning: Pioneering Paleontologist In the early 1800s, Mary Anning, a self-taught fossil hunter from England’s Jurassic Coast, unearthed some of the world’s first complete dinosaur-era skeletons, ...Continue Reading