Dear New Jersey library community, The New Jersey State Library (NJSL) has hired an independent consultant to evaluate the services we provide that are funded by the Library Services and Technology Act. We are very interested in getting your feedback on these services via this survey: [1] https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6581886/New-Jersey-State-Library-Survey All staff working in New Jersey libraries of any type as well as in New Jersey organizations that support libraries are encouraged to ...Continue Reading

We have not had any indoor activities. We are still outside until November 17, and I still have half of my 55 registered patrons attending. I'm going to do Zoom for the short month of December (vacation and holidays), and fingers crossed, small groups inside in January. Our only meeting room is not that big and I'm hopeful our town will have increased in getting vaccinations especially for my younger ones' older siblings. Lina, I live in Warren County and I'm really concerned with the low numbers ...Continue Reading

I'm interested in hearing this, too. We have not yet been allowed to schedule programs in the meeting room. Attendance at virtual programs has dropped significantly, especially for the younger kids and while it has been okay with outdoor programs, as you say it's getting cold. I doubt parents want to sit outside in the cold for storytime and I certainly don't want to sit outside in the cold to read. Lina CrowellChildren's LibrarianWarren County Library2 Shotwell Drive, Belvidere, NJ 07823(908) 47 ...Continue Reading

Hi all, curious about libraries that have begun offering storytimes indoors again. What have your experiences been? We have slowly been transitioning adult and school-aged programs into our meeting rooms but still have concerns about the little guys. Any words of encouragement are appreciated… it’s getting cold and winter is coming… Thanks, Julie Julie Binger Manager of Youth Services Mount Laurel Library ...Continue Reading

APPLY TODAY TO JOIN ULC'S NEW SUMMER LEARNING COHORT https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101116784221/S.gif The application period is now open for Building Equity: Amplify Summer Learning, a new Urban Libraries Council (ULC) initiative to support engaging learning opportunities for middle school youth in the summertime who have historically been excluded from STEM opportunities (e.g., based on race, income, gender, ability). All applications are due by Friday, November 12 at 11:5 ...Continue Reading

FYI, Children's Book Week is November 8th-14th! NYC’s Books of Wonder has a lot of virtual events scheduled for that week: [1]https://booksofwonder.com/blogs/upcoming [2]LibraryCon LIVE On Wednesday, November 10th, join Library Journal and School Library Journal for the fifth annual LibraryCon Live! A day-long celebration of fandom lit, with panels devoted to horror, sci-fi, fantasy, graphic novels, including panels with authors Laurie Halse Anderson and Melissa de la Cruz! [3]Regist ...Continue Reading

Please excuse cross postings FYI, The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is pleased to announce that [1] registration for the 2021 Children's Literature Lecture Celebration, honoring the work of Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, is now open! The celebration will be hosted by ALSC virtually on Thursday, December 2, 2021, from 5:00pm-6:15pm ET. [2] Register now! The Children's Literature Lecture Award honors an individual of distinction in the field of children's literature. ...Continue Reading

FYI, National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) invites library professionals to a free Zoom pre-conference session, Libraries Lead Joy, and the important role of joyful learning in summer programs on Monday, November 8th from 8 am-11:45 am ET. Registration is live at [1]Conference Registration - Summer Learning and the pre-conference includes a conversation with Susan Benton, CEO of Urban Libraries Council on Libraires Critical Role in Summer Learning, Dr, Mariana Glusman, President ...Continue Reading

FYI, Telehealth ARPA Opportunity for Public Libraries The ongoing pandemic has put a spotlight on inequities in the healthcare system, especially among those most vulnerable. There is a need for public libraries to play a role in advancing health equity that can be bridged through the NJHealthConnect @ Your Library, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) opportunity. This new program, administered by New Jersey State Library, and implemented by Just For The Health Of It! at East Brun ...Continue Reading

FYI, The Jane Addams Children's Book Award annually recognizes children's books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people. A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children's literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year. The board will be selecting two new members for the upcoming cycle of the Jane Addams Peace Association ...Continue Reading