LibraryLinkNJ News
August 2025
LibraryLinkNJ The New Jersey Library Cooperative
For more details about any of our projects, programs, or services please visit the LibraryLinkNJ website!
For questions, suggestions, or help with your account, please reach out to our CE Team: ce@librarylinknj.org
Guest Update: LLNJ Board President, Irene Langlois
The role of library staff has evolved substantially over the last 25 - 35 years. The biggest change has probably been the use of technology and how we and our patrons interact with it. When it became apparent that a digital divide was growing, libraries introduced computer classes and computer labs so all could have access to this new technology.
In the early 2000’s, libraries have increased access to information through online databases so people of all ages can use the library from the comfort of their homes, schools or offices. E-books and digital audiobooks also increased the ease of access.
We protect our patrons' right to privacy. We create collections that offer diverse viewpoints and perform diversity audits of our collections. Libraries are a safe place to investigate ideas without judgement. We help patrons evaluate information critically. All of this relates to our role as “guardians of intellectual freedom” the moniker used by ChatGPT.
With the help of LibraryLinkNJ, the New Jersey library community is now learning to navigate AI so we can pass on that knowledge to our patrons. Libraries don’t shy away from our changing world, we embrace it.
Unfortunately, there are those who would like to limit people’s access to good information. Book challenges have increased substantially over the last 4 or 5 years. Librarians have defended the public’s right to access materials of diverse thought and opinions. We’ve also seen attempts to violate patrons' privacy. It is crucial that the New Jersey library community combats the efforts to infringe on people’s intellectual freedom.
The mission of LibraryLinkNJ is to connect all New Jersey's libraries to each other and to the resources they need to serve their communities. LibraryLinkNJ facilitates the delivery of physical books around the state to public, school, academic and special libraries. Skill-sharing workshops are one-hour, virtual conversations moderated by a member of the library community on a particular topic, such as book challenge toolkits, building a graphic novel collection, outreach to immigrant communities and much, much more.
The MentorNJ online meetups provide a safe place for library workers to get answers to their questions and form closer ties with staff from around the state. The LibraryLinkNJ Tech Advisory Group works on keeping the library community up to date on the ever changing world of technology - including AI. The LLNJ LearningSpace: On-Demand Training Portal gives you access to past training videos and webinars.
Luckily, our New Jersey library community can utilize LibraryLinkNJ services, training and support to help us face what is sure to be more challenges to intellectual freedom in the near future.
New Courses, New Skills – Just for You!
Courses on the LearningSpace are specifically designed to support the professional development of library staff. Please note that these courses are not intended for use or access by the public.
Author Visits & Publisher Previews: LLNJ Summer Book Bash
Join us to chat with publishers about their upcoming books, or hear from authors about their upcoming projects! Not only are these events a treat, but all NJ library staff can attend any program for a chance to win a prize pack of books and literary swag from our sponsors, including Penguin Random House, Disney Publishing, Ideal Bookshelf, and Out of Print.
- Book Buzz with Disney, Lee & Low, & Sourcebooks; Thursday, August 7, 2pm- 3pm.
- Book Buzz with Abrams, Harlequin, & Hachette; Thursday, August 14, 2pm- 3pm.
- Rescheduled! Book Buzz with Chronicle, Levine Querido, & W. W. Norton; Thursday, August 21, 2pm- 3pm.
- Summer Romance with Ronni Davis, Kaitlyn Hill, & Jackie Khalilieh; Wednesday, August 27, 3pm- 4pm.
_____________________________
Library Rights and Responsibilities: Federal Agencies, Protests, and Political Action in and Around the Library
Do you and your staff know what to do and say if federal agents show up at your library? Are you prepared if a protest demonstration occurs just outside your library doors or in your lobby? Are you familiar with the law and do you have policies in place so your staff knows what to do? Please join Amanda Eigen, MLIS, and Douglas S. Zucker, Esq. as they discuss these topics and more to help ensure you’re ready if and when the time comes.
- Library Rights & Responsibilities; Virtual; Wednesday, August 20, 2pm-3pm.
____________________________
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a nationally recognized program that offers Mental Health First Aid training courses designed to help participants react confidently, competently, and appropriately when they encounter an individual suffering from a mental health crisis. From identifying risk factors and warning signs to outlining strategies for assisting someone in the midst of a crisis, a Mental Health First Aid training course prepares participants to enact an action plan and utilize appropriate interventions when they encounter a mental health emergency.
Adult Mental Health First Aid Training; Virtual; *Tentative Date* Thursday, September 18, 9am-2:30pm. Save the date and keep an eye on your email for registration info!
Grant Writing: Navigating Uncertainty and Maximizing Funding Opportunities
- 3-session opportunity offered by Rutgers University Office of Continuing and Professional Education
- Cost is $375 per attendee
When the funding landscape becomes unpredictable, developing new strategies to seek out grants becomes a necessity. This online workshop, presented in three 90-minute sessions, will empower participants to respond to current and future challenges. Attendees will learn how to make informed decisions about allocating resources and identifying critical priorities to better maintain financial stability and flexibility in the face of federal disruptions. Click here to learn more.
The Graduate Certificate in Maker Education program is state-approved and is offered by Rutgers Center for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Education in partnership with the Rutgers Graduate School of Education.
What to expect:
- Learn to create & run a makerspace: Receive education and resources necessary to start and supervise a makerspace or projects using makerspace equipment.
- Become proficient in maker-based projects: Gain proficiency in maker-based learning activities or projects.
- Improve pedagogy: Explore how maker-centered projects can be leveraged as a vehicle for meaningful, discovery-based learning.
Application Deadline: 8/12/25
Click Here to request more information or apply!
About LibraryLinkNJ
LibraryLinkNJ: Every New Jersey Library - Connected and Thriving
LibraryLinkNJ (formerly known as INFOLINK) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Its members are multi-type libraries and library-related agencies located in the twenty-one counties of New Jersey. This area includes 8.79 million people. The population of the state is highly diverse and includes some of the largest communities of Spanish speaking and Asian Indian persons in the U.S.
LibraryLinkNJ – The New Jersey Library Cooperative has over 1100 voting representatives from over 2,500 public and private school, public, academic, institutional, corporate, health sciences and special libraries and library-related agencies. A member-elected Executive Board meets regularly to oversee the programs and services of the organization.
LibraryLinkNJ and its services are funded by the New Jersey State Library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network. Members join at no charge and pay no dues.
Email: info@librarylinknj.org
Website: www.librarylinknj.org
Location: 2300 Stuyvesant Avenue, Ewing Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 732-752-7720
Facebook: facebook.com/librarylinknj
Instagram: @librarylinknj