FYI,   Sharing this with you on behalf of Jen Nelson:   *_A Message from NJ State Librarian, Jen Nelson_* On Friday March 14, 2025, an Executive Order was issued that severely reduces the functioning of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The full implications of the order on the New Jersey State Library (NJSL) are unclear. NJSL annually receives approximately $4.5 million from IMLS. Those funds are primarily used to fund the NJ Talking Book and Braille Center, JerseyConnect (which provides c ...Continue Reading

Hello, The NJLA Intellectual Freedom subcommittee is looking to update this statement about children and libraries: https://www.njla.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=86:njla-statement-on-children-and-libraries&catid=26:njla-executive-board-statements-and-resolutions&Itemid=161 One of the things we would like to do is include newer examples of statements on child safety, specifically policies on unattended minors in the library. If you could please send your library's policy statements on this ...Continue Reading

Hi, Everyone,   Does your library serve summer meals or snacks, or are you interested in being a meal site or supporting other meal sites in your area? A number of  libraries in New Jersey and around the USA participate in the *Summer Food Service Program* (SFSP, now branded as SUN Meals), a USDA-funded program that provides free meals and snacks to children ages 0-18 in communities with high levels of need. * * *Libraries and SFSP are a great fit.* The library is a trusted, accessible community center ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI, *Miss Rumphius Award – Deadline to Apply April 15, 2025  * The New Jersey Center for the Book proudly presents the annual /Miss Rumphius Award, /based upon the title character of the National Book Award winner by Barbara Cooney. In the spirit of Miss Rumphius, we seek to amplify the work of exemplary librarians, library staff, library students, and school librarians who implement creative and engaging programs to improve their environments. We hope the /Miss ...Continue Reading

FYI,   I’m just passing this along for informational purposes only. ~Sharon   *Support for Bringing Youth Creative Writing Programming into Libraries*   Are you interested in running creative writing workshops for your K–12 patrons? Education nonprofit Cosmic Writers provides libraries with training, resources, and guest workshops to implement writing programming in genres ranging from monster-building to journalism. Fill out our Educator Interest Form and/or contact Executive Directo ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   Hi, Everyone,   Here are a few webinars coming up that might be of interest: *_Katherine Applegate’s Kickoff for CSLP 2025 Summer Reading Program in Public Libraries – Wed. March 5th_* CSLP is partnering with Macmillan to have Katherine Applegate as our Summer Reading Champion for 2025. On Jan. 15, 2025, Macmillan started giving out a large poster featuring our champion with all CSLP orders (while supplies last). There will be a "kickoff" event on Wed. March 5th at 2 ...Continue Reading

FYI,   I’m forwarding the Library of Congress’s announcement to apply to have National Ambassador of Young People’s Literature Mac Barnett visit your library. See below for the announcement.   ~Sharon  All the best, *Sharon Rawlins, MLS (she/her/hers)*/Youth Services Specialist/ /Library Development/*New Jersey State Library* *P.*  609-278-2640 x116    *E.*  sraw...@njstatelib.org*W. * www.njstatelib.org   185 West State StreetP.O. Box 520, Trenton, NJ ...Continue Reading

FYI,   /Do you adore wordsmithing all the words and phrases?  Do you love word play?/ Staff from CSLP member public libraries are welcome to join the Theme & Slogan Committee for a deep dive into developing the short list of slogan options for 2028's Mythical Creatures theme and the 2029 theme. We're offering two Zoom sessions (but you only have to attend one) to try and get input from as many libraries as possible. Register for the April 9, 2025 Session here (4:00 pm ET)   Register f ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI,   ** * * *Discover these Not to Be Missed Indie Press Titles for the Upcoming CSLP Summer Reading Programs  * * * Already thinking about 2025’s summer reading/learning program in your public library? The theme is Art and the slogan for all ages is /Color Our World /with artwork by Mike Mullan.   Would you like to hear about some great art related books for youth? Or dinosaur books for the 2026 program (you can never have enough dinosaur books!)? What ab ...Continue Reading

FYI,   *Frances Lincoln Children’s Librarian Prize*   The *Frances Lincoln Children’s Librarian Prize (FLCLP)* is presented annually to a children’s or teen librarian who champions diversity and inclusion in their collection and community. The prize is open to school and public librarians. The winner of the FLCLP will receive a book donation and $1500 cash prize for their library. For more information, visit: https://www.quarto.com/campaign/FrancesLincolnChildrensLibrarianPrize The deadline to apply ...Continue Reading