The Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition has heard that many libraries are confused about the ECF rules.  In particular, some libraries are being told that the ECF funding is only available for K-12 students because of the "educational purposes" language.  This is not accurate - the ECF rules allow libraries to apply for funding to provide broadband to access library services.  To answer questions, SHLB and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) and the American Libra ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgKPgf7jSFk to view the recording of yesterday's Directors' Check-in.   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.  Please consult with an attorney prior ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please pass the following along to your trustees. Please join Pat Tumulty, Pat Pavlak and Bob Keith on Thursday, July 15th at 2:00PM for the June Trustees' Check-in.  Registration is required at the link below: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lh9rlUZTQhOThVhOHejaIg 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: 60 ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Join Michele Stricker and Bob Keith for the July Directors' Check-in on Tuesday, July 13th at 2:00PM.  Please use the following link to register. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JM5YuG5lRJeTNR2D7zXlGQ 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, The July 30, 2021 deadline for NJSL’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Grants for New Jersey Public Libraries opportunity is quickly approaching. Please see https://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/american-rescue-plan-act-arpa/ for the complete solicitation, including guidelines, application forms, a technical assistance webinar, a Q&A document, a link to the application submission portal, and portal instructions. Questions about this opportunity can be emailed to grants@PROTECTED.  B ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The Plainfield Public Library, located at  800 Park Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060, will be hosting two tours for libraries interested in applying to be a “spoke” or “hub” library in the NJSL ARPA literacy project. Two walk-throughs will be held to allow potential applicants to get the information they need to determine if this program is right for their library. Walk Through 7/12 [*]10:00a-12:00p [*]10:00 – 10:30 Breakfast [*]10:30- 11:00 Lab Tour [*]11:00 – 11:30 Building tour [*]11:30- 12:0 ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Brainfuse, the online, real-time homework help service, will continue to be licensed for all public libraries in New Jersey by the State Library using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This will extend the service date to June 30, 2022.  Brainfuse provides online homework help, writing lab assistance, test preparation, video lessons and study tools. In addition, they are preparing public relations tools that will be posted on the ARPA page of the State Library’s web site and may be used by ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The recording for the Literacy Project Information Session which was presented this morning can be found at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0DvwJMT9hU Also the slides for the presentation can be found at: https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LiteracyProjectInformationSession.pptx 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 Trent ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, The Q & A document concerning NJSL’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Grants for New Jersey Public Libraries program is now posted: https://www.njstatelib.org/services_for_libraries/american-rescue-plan-act-arpa/. Please send any questions about this grant program to grants@PROTECTED.  Thank you! Eileen K. Morales Grants Manager New Jersey State Library (609)278-2640 ext. 105 emorales@PROTECTED ...Continue Reading

Dear Colleagues, Please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H20tldoQsU to view the ARPA Technical Assistance Webinar. 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.  Please consult with an attorney prior to taking any action o ...Continue Reading