Dear Colleagues, The recording of the June Directors' Q&A can be found here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/xZQydYrf-0NJXJWK0RvvCvEeO5vVX6a8h3cc8vNcnUvXzUOoNMJKFw1deA_1oq6E We will post the registration information for next month's Q&A session shortly.  Please let me know if you have any questions. 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: ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please excuse the very short notice on the following webinar.  We will record it and send a link to the recording to you when it is available.   Dear Library Directors, We hope you are all well and safe during this challenging time. The New Jersey State Library has started a monthly Zoom meeting to give you an opportunity to discuss your issues and questions with us. Prior to attending the webinar please review the following basic presentations, as perhaps some of your question m ...Continue Reading

https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-Public-Assistance-Orientation-Sessions-5_22_20835.pdf The following message pertains to grant funding available from FEMA to libraries for the purchase of PPE, such as masks, gloves, cleaning, disinfecting facilities, and potentially acrylic shields. See the grant application is attached, and attend one of the orientation sessions listed below. These Emergency Protective Measures grants will be offered as long as we are still in a public health emergency, ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Yesterday, on June 1st, Governor Murphy started the conversation about a phased in launch of Stage 2. This next stage begins June 15th with outdoor restaurant dining, outdoor fitness and camps. He then alluded to barbershops and hair salons starting to open June 22nd. The Governor’s next statement spoke to gyms and health clubs saying that those would follow closely after the June 22nd date. Libraries were not specifically mentioned in any of these categories. However these types of activities are the ...Continue Reading

https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-Public-Assistance-Orientation-Sessions-5_22_20835.pdf The following message pertains to grant funding available from FEMA to libraries for the purchase of PPE, such as masks, gloves, cleaning, disinfecting facilities, and potentially acrylic shields. See the grant application is attached, and attend one of the orientation sessions listed below. These Emergency Protective Measures grants will be offered as long as we are still in a public health emergency, ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Shortly after my message yesterday we received the following information from the Office of the Attorney General: "Until we get any further guidance, we agree that libraries remain closed under EO107(9)(h), which includes no curbside pickup.  The only change from EO142 as it relates to allowing curbside pickup is for non-essential retail businesses, which does not include libraries." Please let me know if you have any questions. Best regards, Bob Keith Director of Library Law, S ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, We continue to receive reports of libraries which are conducting business not in accordance with Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 107.  EO 107 designates libraries as closed to the public and only allows very limited staff in the building to perform functions essential to the continued existence of the library (such as bill payment or inspection and maintenance of the physical plant).  Any other functions performed in the library building (including curbside pick-up of library materials) may ...Continue Reading

Dear Library Directors, The New Jersey State Library is collecting information about libraries with wifi access outside of the building in order to better serve patrons without internet access at home. Please complete the following form to indicate whether wifi is available outside of your library in a way that promotes social distancing among those accessing it (such as in the library parking lot): https://www.njstatelib.org/nj-libraries-with-public-wifi-accessibility-survey/  You are asked in the form to in ...Continue Reading

Please visit the following link for more information about this grant opportunity: https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/COVID-19-Public-Assistance-Orientation-Sessions-5_22_20835.pdf ...Continue Reading

“Dewey” Need Some Care? Weekly Series to “categorize” concerns and “organize” coping strategies for New Jersey Librarians “Check us out” on Tuesdays and Fridays at 4 Session 1 on May 26 and May 29: Creating a Work/Life Balance: Practicing Self-Care Session 2 on June 2 and June 5: Stress Management and Coping: Dealing with Uncertainties Session 3 on June 9 and June 12: Reducing Anxiety and Promoting Resilience: Preparing to Return to Work Meeting ID: 969 4477 9979 Password: 025835 https://zoom.us/j/9694477997 ...Continue Reading