Preconferences offer a unique opportunity to extend the experience of a conference. While you may think, “two days is plenty of days for a conference, why do I need to extend that?”, what people often do not realize is that the sessions are very different from what you would expect on the regularly scheduled sessions. With more hands-on and active participation than can be afforded in a typical conference session, the preconference allows room and time for brainstorming and collaboration, a genuine exchange of ideas that enriches the experiences to come throughout the rest of the conference.

Not only are preconferences valuable in terms of professional development and gain, but they also are a bit less overwhelming than your usual conference session days. With less people, and less sessions, there is more room for discussion and meeting up with old friends or making new ones. Instead of running between sessions to try to catch bits and pieces of as many as you can, you and enjoy the one you choose without the pressure of where to go next. Sounds nice, right?

The preconference might offer a less expensive, one day option for those who cannot make it for the full event, but it also allows for a more full and complete conference experience for those who can stay through at least Tuesday. The Monday evening following the preconference sessions is full of unique professional and networking experiences.

If all of that does not sell you on attending the NJLA 2015 Preconference, check out our topics below, with more detailed descriptions in our schedule. Register today!

• The Power of Friends - Every library relies on their Friends for fundraising and volunteering efforts. This session aims to bring together Friends and Friends supporters to discuss the ways in which we can improve Friends initiatives, and possibly foster a state-wide cooperative to advance Friends efforts. **Special registration rate for Friends for 2015!

• ESL in Libraries: Communicating with our Communities - Providing a practical approach, presenters will provide attendees with the tools to know how to set up an ESL program in your library by assessing the needs of your community. (See below!)

• Is Your Library LGBTQI Friendly? Collection Development and Beyond - While focusing on teens, this session will provide tips for collection development for your LGBTQI communities beyond the “Best Of” lists.

• Radical Librarianship: How Ninja Librarians are Ensuring Patrons’ Electronic Privacy - As institutions dedicated to intellectual freedom, libraries stand in a unique position to address their community’s privacy rights. This session will provide tips and tools to use in the face of privacy issues, as well as how to help prevent them in the future.

And for more on Monday evening events:

• Resume Speed Dating - Back by popular demand! New librarians as well as those thinking about changing jobs will have the opportunity to have experienced library administrators critique their resumes over at the Seaview Bar.

• Librarian Mixer - Our librarian mixers are reported as one of the most fun experiences of conference; a time to relax and join in some free-flowing conversation with our colleagues and friends. This year, join us for happy hour at the Wine Loft in Pier Village, a venue that features an extensive wine list, specialty drinks, and small plates.

• President’s Program featuring Joe Connolly - Join NJLA President Terrie McColl and radio personality Joe Connolly for an engaging look at financial literacy, promoting small businesses, and libraries.

• Librarians on the Edge of Fashion - Librarians are unique individuals and they have a style sense all their own. Here’s an opportunity to get together, mingle, and have some fun! Dress up to impress and show off your style to your colleagues. From the best-dressed to the non-librarianish, judges will be circulating and winners will be picked from various categories. We have an emcee and four judges to make it a memorable evening that you don’t want to miss!

As an added bonus, you’ll be among the first to check out the new and most popular items at the NJLA Store, and if you stay overnight you’ll also be able to participate in early morning yoga overlooking the beach. So what were your reasons for NOT joining us on Monday, again? See you there!