Please excuse cross postings FYI, *_SYNC Audiobooks for Teens_* This FREE program for teens ages 13 and older, sponsored by AudioFile Magazine in partnership with Overdrive Education, provides two thematically paired audiobook titles each week.This year the program has expanded to 16 weeks for a total of 32 free audiobooks, starting April 28, 2022. Here’s the list of titles for this year. Just sign up and then each week, download that week’s titles in *Sora*. Teens, librarians, book club leaders, and edu ...Continue Reading

Hi, Everyone, *National Citizen and Community Science Library Network One-Pager* – Attached is a one-pager introducing the National Citizen and Community Science Library Network. *Library Network webpage* – Library staff across your state are also invited to sign up for the network to start receiving our newsletter. You can find links to promotional resources, the kit building guides, and more at https://scistarter.org/library and https://scistarter.org/library-network. Celebrating Citizen Science in ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Donate to Increase Literacy Across New Jersey BookSmiles, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 82-3233733), promotes literacy and the joy of reading by giving books to children throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey. They provide students and younger siblings with high-quality new or gently used books, laying the groundwork for academic success. Educators – especially those representing Title I schools – receive books for classroom libraries, for students to keep ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Applications are being accepted for ALSC’s annual Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator grant, generously sponsored by Simon & Schuster! This award was established to bring together children and nationally recognized authors/illustrators by funding up to $4,000 for an author/illustrator visit to a library. Applications are due soon, on April 22! Learn more about this funding opportunity by visiting the ALSC website. NOTE: both ALA and ALSC membership are a requirement to be considered for ALSC Professiona ...Continue Reading

Passing the message below along. Any questions should be addressed to James Keehbler.   ~Sharon   All the best,   Sharon Rawlins, MLS, she/her/hers Youth Services Specialist for Lifelong Learning NJ State Library 185 West State St. P.O. Box 520 Trenton, NJ 08625-0520 sraw...@njstatelib.org 609-278-2640 ext. 116 609-278-2650 – fax / / *From:* n...@memberclicks-mail.net <n...@memberclicks-mail.net> *On Behalf Of *James Keehbler*Sent:* Thursday, April 7, 2022 11:48 AM*To:* Sharon Rawlins <sraw ...Continue Reading

FYI,   Some grant opportunities: * * *Dollar General Literacy Foundation: Youth Literacy Grant* Awarded to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations to support literacy initiatives. Deadline: May 19th, 2022 11pm EST / Grant amount: Maximum of $4,000 Learn more and apply here *Walmart Local Community Grant* Each Walmart and Sam’s Club location has dedicated funds to be awarded to local organizations for education, quality of life, diversity and inclusion, and more. Deadline: December 31st, ...Continue Reading

FYI, New guide to financial literacy resources for young people AALA and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation have released Thinking Money for All Kids: Diverse and Inclusive Reads to Teach Young People about Money, a free booklet for library workers. The guide highlights 40 recommended titles that tell stories and share skills related to personal finance and financial capability for children. A team of librarian advisors selected the titles, with particular attention to eschewing stereotypes and embracing d ...Continue Reading

Hi, Karen,   Since you posted to the entire NJYAC discussion list I’m responding on the list instead of just responding to you because others might also be interested. I’m not aware of any legislation like this in NJ (yet!). I am aware of what Follett proposed and then decided to not do after the outcry from librarians. The NJ Association of School Librarians (NJASL) is very involved in intellectual freedom and issues of parental rights. If you’re a member of NJASL, you may know that Mary Moyer is the Legislative ...Continue Reading

Hi Sharon, Hope you are well. I wondered if you were aware of any legislation is being proposed in New Jersey that concerns parental rights and intellectual freedom in school libraries. I am a member of the Association of Independent School Librarians (AISL) and this blog post may interest you and any others at the State Library: https://aislnews.org/ok-we-stopped-follett-any-righteous-anger-left-for-the-bad-actors-forcing-bad-choices/ I would like to be involved in fighting this type of legislation and if you know ...Continue Reading

FYI, Having trouble viewing this e-mail? View as a web page. It's National Library Week! "Connect with Your Library" is the theme for National Library Week 2022 (April 3-9), and actress, comedian, and legendary Saturday Night Live cast member, Molly Shannon, is this year’s honorary chair. How is your library celebrating?   ...Continue Reading