NJLA News

COMING UP

• October 1: The Emerging Leaders application is open now through October 1. Info and Application here.
• October 16: Diversity and Outreach, in partnership with Library Workers of Color, will be hold their biannual unconference at Princeton University. Info and Register here.

August 15, 2024

Good News for School Libraries

Good news!  Governor Murphy signed two bills on Tuesday that will have a direct impact on school libraries.  NJASL is beyond thrilled to have been specifically named in the first bill that will create a working group on best practices for literacy that includes school librarians as part of the working group.  School librarians were also listed as educators who will be eligible to receive professional development training.

The second bill creates the Office of Learning Equity at the NJ Department of Education with the purpose of promoting student literacy and advancing learning equity through academic recovery practices.  This will provide an opportunity for school librarians to showcase their value and connections to student literacy.

August 8, 2024

Newest Member of the NJLA Team: Melissa Johnson

I have the pleasure of introducing you to Melissa Johnson, the newest member of the NJLA team. Melissa joins us with over 20 years of meeting planning experience. As with her other major client, the Public Library Association (PLA), she will work with NJLA as a remote consultant. The biennial PLA Conference’s superb educational sessions and outstanding keynotes draw thousands of library workers and rave reviews. Her decades of success, as well as her understanding of PLA’s committee structure, makes her the ideal person to help NJLA continue to expand and improve its conference,, forums, and other in-person events. Melissa will join us in Atlantic City to make sure the Annual Conference runs smoothly, and will provide operational support for half- and full-day meetings, trainings, and retreats for NJLA Sections and Committees.

July 24, 2024

NJLA'S 2024-28 STRATEGIC PLAN

NJLA's 2024-28 Strategic Plan was approved by the Executive Board on July 16, 2024, culminating a nine-month process that included numerous surveys and focus groups with NJLA's members and partners.

July 12, 2024

LIBRARY AID AND FREEDOM TO READ ACT

The New Jersey legislative session ended on a positive note for the two initiatives that NJLA was championing. In a difficult budget year, Library Network Aid, which was originally budgeted to be cut by 20%, was fully restored to last year's level, and allocated an additional $200,000 for 2024-25. This is good news for all New Jersey libraries, because we all benefit from a strong New Jersey State Library and LibraryLinkNJ. In addition, on June 28, the New Jersey Assembly passed A3446, the Freedom to Read Act, sponsored by Mitchelle Drulis, Shavonda E. Sumter, Herb Conaway, ,Jr., with 15 co-sponsors. We look forward to the Senate passing its version of the bill, S2421, when it reconvenes in the fall.

These successes would not have happened without a strong NJLA membership, library advocates and partners across New Jersey, and strong leadership from NJLA's Executive Board and its Public Policy and Intellectual Freedom Committees, along with expertise and dedication from our colleagues at Porzio Governmental Affairs, the firm that NJLA hired on February 1. Thank you for your participation in NJLA and your library advocacy!

June 10, 2024 

NJLA and NJASL Joint Statement on Freedom To Read Act

The New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) and the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) are pleased that the New Jersey Assembly Education Committee voted to approve legislative bill A3446 on Thursday, June 7. This bill, the Freedom to Read Act, ensures that every New Jersey resident continues to enjoy the freedom to read for education and entertainment.