Hi, Everyone, My colleague Andrea Levandowski, Library Consultant, Small Business Development & Technology, and I are working on a project called Catalyzing Teen Entrepreneurship through Makerspaces. We are sending out a survey to public libraries to ask if you would please fill it out so we can get an idea of what kinds of maker activities and makerspaces there are in NJ public libraries. Thank you in advance! ~ Sharon ------------------ Please add your library to the scan of maker a ...Continue Reading

Hi all, wondering if any libraries out there have stated explicitly in a policy that children’s events are only for the specified age of the child and a parent/caregiver (in other words, you can’t regularly attend children’s events if you are not bringing a child with you). Anything you can share is greatly appreciated! Julie Julie Binger Head of Youth Services Mount Laurel Library ...Continue Reading

Hi all, If you were waiting to register for this year's [1]NJLA Youth Services Forum, please be aware that there are less than 20 seats remaining! If you want to go, don't wait too long to sign up! You don't want to miss out on these awesome sessions! See [2]this PDF for the full descriptions of all the sessions. The [3]YS Forum will take place on Monday, October 17th from 8:45am to 3:00pm, with sessions for children's and teen librarians. We'll meet at [4]Monroe Township Library t ...Continue Reading

Libraries as Launchpads Opportunity for NJ Public Libraries Would you like your public library to be a hub for innovation and creativity? Do you want to offer more resources, programs, or connections to support local entrepreneurs? Do you have a vision of your library contributing to your local economy but aren’t sure where to start? If so, [1]click here to learn more about Libraries as Launchpads program! The New Jersey State Library is partnering with [2]Creative Startups to offer a ...Continue Reading

FYI, I spoke to the creator of this program and am sharing the information with you for informational purposes only. This program is geared for children ages 5 – 8, but older siblings up to age 10 can participate too. Hamilton Public Library will be offering the program at their library on Nov. 9th. Reach out to Colleen Affrime at the Hamilton Public Library if you have questions. One of the themes of the program is community, which ties into next summer’s summer reading program slogan of “A ...Continue Reading

 Announcing IF/THEN® Gender Equity Project ========================================= [1]https://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20220916/24/3b/58/a2/2bccd778bdc7511171b189c2_424x644.png Funding Available for Gender Equity Projects in Public Libraries! ----------------------------------------------------------------- With support from [2]Lyda Hill Philanthropiesand the [3]IF/THEN® Initiative, the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) is now accepting applic ...Continue Reading

Hi everyone, Registration for this year's Youth Services Forum is finally open! You can register through NJLA by going here: [1]https://www.njla.org/youth-services-forum The YS Forum will be on Monday, October 17th from 8:45am to 3:00pm at [2]Monroe Township Library located at 4 Municipal Plaza, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. Cost to attend for NJLA members is $35. It's $17.50 for students, and $52.50 for non-members. Breakfast and lunch are included in the ticket price. There will be no on-sit ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings Hi, Everyone, Even though this workshop is being sponsored by the Bloomfield Township Public Library in Michigan, I’ve heard nothing but great things about it from folks from other states who have attended it. It’s also not just youth related, but has something for all ages so that’s why I’m sharing it with you. Feel free to pass it along to your colleagues in other departments. ADAPTIVE UMBRELLA VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ---------------------------------- Thursd ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings Hi, Everyone, Those of you in public libraries who participate in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) summer reading program may wonder how it all comes about. If you join a committee, you’ll have the chance to find out. Committees are the lifeblood of CSLP. The hard work and creativity of our volunteers shape both the program and the organization. Strong committee participation leads to a strong CSLP. For many years there have been a number of N ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, YALSA's Teen Top Ten voting is now open. Please share [1] this link with your Teens to vote for their top 5 books. ------------------------------ Carla Jamison Program Officer American Library Association ------------------------------ All the best, Sharon Rawlins, MLS (she/her/hers) Youth Services Specialist Library Development Bureau New Jersey State Library P. 609-278-2640 x116 E. [2]...@njstatelib.org" style=" ...Continue Reading