Congratulations to the Garden State Children’s Book Award winners! The official press release is attached.   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 / / ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI,   The contract that the NJ State Library has with READsquared online reading registration/tracking software is for two years, so public libraries can use it for their 2021 summer reading program. READsquared is also accepting new public libraries that are interested in registering to use it. If you’re interested, here’s the form to fill out:  http://www.readsquared.com/NJ If you have questions, contact: supp...@r2stg.zohosupport.com or call (602) 776-6012.   For ...Continue Reading

FYI, ALA is still accepting applications for Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, a grant initiative that will distribute nearly $2 million to libraries in small and rural communities. Up to 450 grants of $3,000 will be distributed. Apply by March 4!Read the project guidelines to learn more or sign up for time to talk with an ALA Public Programs Office staff member to talk about a proposal. Grant recipients will: Complete a f ...Continue Reading

Just passing this job opening along ~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   Hunterdon County Library _Full Time – Librarian 1 - Job Opening Flemington, New Jersey_   FULL TIME – LIBRARIAN 1 (Youth Services) The Hunterdon County Library (HCL) is seeking an energetic team-oriented candidate with a s ...Continue Reading

*_Meet and Greet the New State Librarian and New Executive Directors of NJLA and LLNJ_* The State Library and the NJ Center for the Book are inviting anyone interested to join us as we meet and greet the new State Librarian Jen Nelson, and the new NJLA Executive Directors, Dr. Juliet Machie (NJLA) and Susanna Sacchetti (LLNJ) Friday, February 26, 2021 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm.   The link to register in advance for this virtual Zoom event is being sent from the NJ State Library and is: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/ ...Continue Reading

FYI,   See below for the list of the 2021 Walter Awards (named for NJ’s own Walter Dean Myers) winners and honorees, along with the sixth annual Symposium​ ​on​ diversity​ ​in​ ​children’s​ ​literature, ​co-hosted by​ the Library of Congress! The virtual Symposium and award ceremony for the 2021 Walter Award winners will be on March​ ​12. Learn more about the Walter Awards winners and honorees and the Symposium. There’s also a link to enter a book giveaway. ~Sharon   All the best,   Sharon Rawlins, MLS ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, Has your school, academic or public library created an innovative community service program that inspired new readers? Nominations have been extended for *The Penguin Random House Library Award for Innovation*. The annual award recognizes U.S. libraries and librarians who create lasting innovative community service programs that successfully inspire and connect with new readers. The award consists of a $10,000 cash prize. The award, established in 20 ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings   FYI,   Brainfuse is offering a scholarship opportunity to students of existing institutional clients of Brainfuse.   Elize Aunahn, Vice President of Operations and Academics with Brainfuse for approximately twenty years, passed away on June 16, 2020. To honor her legacy and commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for deserving students, Brainfuse has established a scholarship fund in her name. The award is designed for low-income students who otherwise might be m ...Continue Reading

FYI,   The link below is to the Social Justice Graphic Novels website, which provides an annotated bibliography of social justice graphic novels for young adults. Social Justice Graphic Novels - a Carnegie Whitney Grant project The website was funded by the American Library Association's (ALA) Carnegie-Whitney Grant. The titles listed on the site cover social justice issues such as racism, gender, the environment, mental health, and more. In addition to the l ...Continue Reading

GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant  Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant program. Awards provide funding for the development of new and the expansion of existing youth garden programs and greenspaces serving 15 or more youth. 150 grant recipients will be awarded $500 and 25 grant recipients will be awarded $1,000 to support their youth garden initiatives. Applications close Feb. 5, 2021. *Apply here*. Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant The applicat ...Continue Reading