LibraryLinkNJ News

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

Thank you for your ongoing support of LibraryLinkNJ as we continue to grow and develop as an organization, and as we work to keep our library community connected and thriving.

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and relaxing summer,

Ralph

How is your library celebrating pride this month? Do you have LGBTQIA+ book displays? Are you hosting any guest speakers or drag events? Will your library be running pride programming? We want to see! Send us pictures of pride being celebrated in your library to be featured in the July LLNJ newsletter and on our social media!

To submit your pride photos, send them to ce@librarylinknj.org with the caption "Pride Photos" and the name of your library.

Join us for our 2026 Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 18 at 2:30 PM via Zoom! Learn more about LibraryLinkNJ’s programs and services, our recent accomplishments, and our future plans. Our membership meeting is open to all member library staff, but space is limited and you must register. You don’t need to be a Voting Representative to attend.

For more information and to register, check out the membership meeting information page. You must be logged in to access the registration link.

We’ve had a fantastic response to the COSL survey so far. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to fill it out and share it with others. We’re so grateful for the support.

That said, we’re still collecting responses to make sure our data truly reflects school libraries across all of New Jersey. Every additional response helps strengthen the accuracy and impact of this work. We’re especially hoping to hear from folks in counties that are currently underrepresented, including Salem, Passaic, and Cumberland. If you’re from one of these areas, or if you know library staff, parents, or community members who are, please consider sharing the survey with them. Click here to fill out the survey!

There’s still important information to gather, and your voice makes a difference!

Library staff make miracles happen with limited financial resources. Let’s gather in a casual setting to share those free resources (programs, vendors, speakers, performers …). Tips, hacks & tricks are welcomed too. It’s time to brag about what you have done. We are here for it. Come to learn, network & appreciate the work of NJ library staff. Light refreshments will be served. A simple craft will be available for those who want to indulge. All are welcome!

• MentorNJ In-Person Meet-up: Sharing Free Resources; In-Person; Saturday, June 27, 4pm.
• Location: Stratford Public Library, 303 Unión Ave., Stratford, NJ 08949
• Please RSVP by June 20 via email to: LatinaLibraryAssistant@gmail.com
• Please include the following in your RSVP: Name, Email Address, Phone Number, Library

Will you be attending the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago this month? If so, please join us for our EDI-NJ program!

Lessons Learned from New Jersey’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Strategic Roadmap Project

Monday June 29, 2026

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT

@ McCormick Place Convention Center W 175 A B C

Direct scheduler link: https://cdmcd.co/ar5nBM

Library Chef introduces a new family engagement program tied to America’s 250th Anniversary called the Junior Chef Kitchen Passport. This is a fully done-for-you program for ages 5+ where kids pick up a collector’s edition passport at the library, complete fun challenges at home, then return for sticker stamps, prizes, and certificates.

Order by June 8th and kits arrive by June 20th. The program runs until September 7th, so there is still time even if summer programming is already planned.

• You can view the full overview here: Junior Chef Kitchen Passport Overview
• Library Chef offers an exclusive 5% discount for LibraryLinkNJ member libraries that are new to Library Chef. Existing Library Chef members already receive preferred member pricing on the Junior Chef Kitchen Passport program.

New Self-Paced Course: Giving and Receiving Feedback

Strengthen your communication and leadership skills with this self-paced online course from Work Wise Labs. Designed for current and aspiring leaders, the course provides practical strategies for giving direct, effective feedback, receiving feedback with confidence, and building a workplace culture where honest communication supports growth.

• LibraryLinkNJ members receive 25% off the Giving and Receiving Feedback self-paced course, bringing the cost to $35.25 per person and including lifetime access to the course. Use promo code LLNJ25 when registering
• For more information or to register, visit the LibraryLinkNJ Discounts page
• For group purchases or invoice requests, contact info@workwiselabs.com

Give your patrons access to over 100 years of expert analysis on international politics, economics, security, and diplomacy with Foreign Affairs. Designed for academic and public libraries, group subscriptions include flexible access options, a searchable digital archive, mobile app access, and exclusive content not available through aggregator databases.

• LibraryLinkNJ members receive discounted group subscription rates through December 31, 2026
• For more information, visit the LibraryLinkNJ Discounts page
• To place an order or request pricing information, contact groupsubs@foreignaffairs.com.

Every weekday, The Juice delivers five short, engaging nonfiction articles written by an in-house team of educators and journalists. Articles span world news, STEM, economics, culture, sports, and more. Each article is leveled at four reading levels, available in 70+ languages, and includes read-aloud support, embedded vocabulary, a comprehension question, and an infographic.

• We are offering 70% off of The Juice’s retail price for LibraryLinkNJ participants

• For more information, visit the LibraryLinkNJ Discounts page

Find more discount offers, including those from Newsreel and Library Journal, at https://librarylinknj.org/discounts!

The LibraryLinkNJ LearningSpace offers a range of on-demand resources designed to meet the changing needs of library staff. From emerging technologies to critical thinking and inclusive service approaches, you’ll find opportunities to strengthen your skills and broaden your perspective. All highlighted courses are open to everyone—no login required—and are crafted to support continued growth for staff in every area of library work.

Just Added

• Ethics of AI
• Evaluating AI Features in Library Subscription Databases
• How to Handle Angry Customers
• NAMI NJ 101
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Soluna Demo: Teen Mental Health Resource

Access new material here:

https://librarylinknj.org/about-us/news/recently-added-learningspace-0

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.

Emotional Labor in the Archives: Supporting Archivists Mental Health in Donor Relations

Archivists often encounter tremendous emotional labor in archival repositories. Experiences can include processing sometimes traumatic collections, assisting researchers who are exploring community trauma, and working with donors experiencing a ‘trigger event’ such as suffering a loss, a health crisis, or other life-changing circumstances. This presentation will explore emotional labor, how it manifests in archival work, and suggest ways to implement mental health wellness practices into daily life.

• Emotional Labor in the Archives: Supporting Archivists Mental Health in Donor Relations; Virtual; Tuesday, June 9, 2pm-3pm.

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Digital Possibilities Series Session 2: Strategies for the Digitization of Municipal Archives - The Chicago City Council Audio Recordings, 1970-2012

In 2024 Chicago's Office of the City Clerk was awarded a Recordings at Risk grant by the Council on Library and Information Resources to digitize a collection of City Council meeting audio recordings that span 40 years of Chicago political history. In this webinar, Matt Messbarger will explain the specific challenges faced and strategies developed to plan and complete this large-scale project with a focus on access and preservation of a unique record of Chicago history.

• Digital Possibilities Series Session 2; Virtual; Wednesday, June 10, 2pm-3pm.

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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.

• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training; Virtual; Thursday, June 11, 9am-1:30pm.
• Online registration is closed. Please contact darby@librarylinknj.org to see if registration is still possible.

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NJ Statewide EDI Initiative Group (EDI-NJ) Meeting

Join us in this coalition of NJ's library organizations to tackle EDI issues in our state's libraries.

• NJ Statewide EDI Initiative Group (EDI-NJ) Meeting; Virtual; Wednesday, June 17, 2:30pm-3:30pm.

More Ways to Get Involved with EDI-NJ:

1. Providing feedback on created project tools/assessments or participating in one of the project groups (sign up here!)

If you’re interested or would like more information, please reach out to us at edi@librarylinknj.org. We’d love to have you join us in building a more equitable and inclusive future for New Jersey libraries.

Digital Possibilities Series Session 3: Digitization in a Box - Imagine the Possibilities!

The FLVC Digital Services + OER team, led by Rebel-Cummings-Sauls, will describe the “Digitization in a Box” Program — its origin, development, launch, and progress. Windy Gamble, of North Florida College, will share her institution’s journey in using the equipment, learning from FLVC's training, and succeeding in digitization as a newbie.

• Digital Possibilities Series Session 3: Digitization in a Box - Imagine the Possibilities!; Virtual; Tuesday, June 23, 2pm-3pm.

¿Cómo Se Dice? Spanish Basics for Library Staff

Learning Spanish with our on-demand ¿Cómo Se Dice? series? Join us for live Spanish language practice! Luisa and Yesenia will join us on the final Thursday of each month at 11am for a one-hour Zoom where attendees can ask questions, practice pronunciation, engage in sample conversations, and improve their Spanish skills! This month, the topic will be "Reference."

• ¿Cómo Se Dice? Spanish Basics for Library Staff; Virtual; Thursday, June 25, 11am-12pm.
• Attendees should complete the Reference on-demand module (coming soon) prior to attending the conversation practice event!

Zoom links go out to our entire email list each Monday morning for the Meet-ups to be held that week.

• Wellness Wednesday - June 3, 3pm
• Maker Meetup - June 4, 3pm
• Juggling Parenting & Library Work - June 5, 11am

• Latino Library Staff - June 9, 10am

• Disabled & Neurodivergent Library Staff - June 9, 2pm

• LGBTQUIA+ Library Staff - June 10, 11am

• Adventures in Administration - June 11, 10:30am

• AI in Libraries - June 11, 2pm
• K-Culture - June 16, 1:30pm

• Leading Lean Libraries - June 23, 1pm

• Adventures in Administration - June 25, 10:30am

• API - June 25, 2pm
• Sharing Free Resources - June 27, 4pm **In-person event at Stratford Public Library**

Want to know more about a meet-up? Check out our calendar!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Youth Craft Show & Share 2026 at SCLSNJ's Montgomery Branch! Youth services staff from across New Jersey came together to share successful craft programs, exchange ideas, and connect with colleagues who understand the joys and challenges of planning creative programming for kids and teens.

Missed the event or want to revisit the ideas that were shared? Be sure to check out our Youth Craft Show & Share Resource Guide below, featuring project examples, demos, and resources!

LibraryLinkNJ's 2026 AI Ambassadors series concluded this spring after four sessions exploring artificial intelligence, information literacy, ethics, and practical library applications. Led by Jim Craner of The Galecia Group, participants examined AI tools, discussed responsible use, and explored how libraries can help their communities navigate an increasingly AI-driven information landscape. The series wrapped up with an in-person gathering at Piscataway Public Library, featuring a keynote by Brandie Nonnecke and opportunities for participants to connect, reflect, and share ideas.

• Review a recap of this series here: https://librarylinknj.org/about-us/news/ai-ambassadors-returns-focus-literacy-ethics-and-community-conversation
• Recorded webinars and training resources are available through the LibraryLinkNJ LearningSpace

PLAID (Public Libraries & AI Development) is a practical framework that helps libraries test, evaluate, and roll out AI tools in ways that fit their policies, staff capacity, and community needs. Explore these concise guides to better understand where AI technology is today, how it’s already showing up in public libraries, and where it’s likely headed next for your community.

Access the training videos here!

Delivery service to school libraries is halted during the summer months. The last possible delivery service stop/pick-up to school libraries will be Friday, June 12, 202​6​.​ This is the last date any school library can expect to receive materials. Not the last date you can ship materials out to them.​

• Delivery Service to schools will resume the week of Monday, September 14, 2026.
• School materials in the system after June 1​2 will be shipped out in September.

If you are holding any extra Blue Bins that your library is not utilizing please leave them for your TForce Driver and they will take them. TForce is running low on LLNJ bins that we supply to libraries.

If you are no longer enrolled in the statewide delivery service and you are holding any LLNJ delivery supplies (Blue Bins, Plastic Bags), please contact Jennifer Bruno at jennifer@librarylinknj.org and we will arrange pickup of the supplies.

The Child Mind Institute, in partnership with the state of New Jersey, is offering a free caregiver workshop series for families in Mercer, Monmouth, Sussex, and Warren Counties focused on helping children transition into summer.

From June through October, we are looking for sites to host in-person workshops, tabling events, and resource distribution within local communities. We have a variety of mental health and wellness materials and resources that we can provide during events or share directly with organizations and community members.

If you are interested in having us for an in-person event, please complete the community interest form.

The New Jersey State Library, in partnership with the New Jersey State Archives, has launched NJ250: Living Documents, Evolving Rights, a new digital exhibition exploring the evolution of New Jersey’s three state constitutions. Created in anticipation of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the exhibit highlights how ideas of rights, representation, and governance have changed over time.

• Interactive content traces key themes like individual rights and landmark court interpretations
• Offers access to primary sources and historical materials for deeper exploration

LibraryLinkNJ's Executive Board will hold their next meeting on Thursday, June 18th at 3pm via Zoom.

All LibraryLinkNJ members are welcome to attend Executive Board meetings. Find more information on the Executive Board page on our website!

Please email suggestionbox@librarylinknj.org with feedback about our services and programs. Suggestions for new services and programs are welcome, too.

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