Dear Colleagues, I am excited to arrive in New Jersey as the second round of the Library Construction Bond Act is being organized. The first round of any new project can be challenging, and the LCBA initiative has certainly been complicated and we've learned a lot. I am proud of the hard work the State Library team and our partnering agencies have contributed to lead this effort. While we celebrate the fact that libraries will soon break ground on 38 highly-ranked projects in communities across the state, we know the ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The message below, sent on February 3rd, requires correction.  Our subscription to Brainfuse ends June 15, 2021.  Please excuse this error.  Previously sent message follows: Public Library Directors and Staff, I wanted to take an opportunity to ensure that you are all aware of the products that the State Library has licensed for all public libraries in the state through September 30, 2021 utilizing federal CARES Act funding. Zoom video conferencing platform Capira Curbside Baker ...Continue Reading

Public Library Directors and Staff, I wanted to take an opportunity to ensure that you are all aware of the products that the State Library has licensed for all public libraries in the state through September 30, 2021 utilizing federal CARES Act funding. Zoom video conferencing platform Capira Curbside Baker and Taylor ebooks SimplyE ebook platform Brainfuse online tutoring program Read Squared (through Summer 2022) Remote Assist (no end date) To find out  more about these products please visit https://www.nj ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Governor Murphy today signed Executive Order 219 (https://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-219.pdf).  This EO changes the capacity limit for "recreational and entertainment businesses" to 35% of stated maximum capacity.  EO-157 included libraries in the "recreational and entertainment businesses" category.  The previous maximum capacity limit was 25% in EO-157.  Please let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, ...Continue Reading

Dear Library Directors, The New Jersey State Library would like to invite ALL library directors to join us for this two day training. Refresh your skills with these presentations on core library knowledge. Please see the agenda below and register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtual-new-directors-training-2021-tickets-136317472229 Note: There will be no monthly Directors’ Check-in in February because of this program. *2021 New Directors Training* *Virtual New Directors Training 2021* *Dates: ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please visit the link below to view the recording of yesterday's Directors' Check-in featuring a tour of the Annual Survey and discussion about new data elements relating to COVID-19.  Please let me know if you have any questions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ei4ZKQDM3Q Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics New Jersey State Library Street Address: 185 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625 ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, If you have not received your login information for the Annual Survey by now please send me an email and let me know so that I can make sure you get the information. Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics New Jersey State Library Street Address: 185 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x192 F: 609-278-2650 rkeith@PROTECTED The above information does not constitute legal advice or opinion.  Ple ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please invite your trustees to join us for the January Trustees' Check-in on January 28th at 10:00AM.  Please use the following link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qVvJpsEBSeWvnDEcZRX18A Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics New Jersey State Library Street Address: 185 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625 P: 609-278-2640x192 F: 609-278-2650 rkeith@PROTECTED The above information ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please join us on January 26th at 10:00AM for the January Directors' Check-in.  We will discuss the Annual Survey and answer any quetions you might have about the new questions introduced this year.  Please visit the following link to sign up: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TSlT8QM3Q5exzoBkEAw5wg Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, State Aid, and Statistics New Jersey State Library Street Address: 185 W. State St. Trenton, NJ 08608 Mailing Address: P.O. Bo ...Continue Reading

JerseyConnect is excited to announce a new free service called Remote Assist available to all libraries across the state, to help reach remote patrons or provide services in the library while maintaining social distance. Here are some of the key features available: Remote assistance lets you connect with patrons anywhere, from anywhere, to assist them with using library resources. Patrons just need a session code to join. Remote access lets you manage your library's PCs from anywhere, to assist patrons sitting at ...Continue Reading