Program Spotlight from the Urban Libraries Section | NJ Library Association Conference

The Urban Libraries Section Wants You to Give Back!

The Urban Libraries Section will be partnering with Diversity & Outreach and the Young Adult Section to collect donations to support the Covenant House Teen Shelter in Atlantic City.

Please bring any of the following NEW items to donate:

plain t-shirts
basic athletic wear
belts
wallets
umbrellas
flash drives
gift cards (example: bank cards, Payless, ShopRite, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts)

The collection table will be inside the Exhibit Hall on Thursday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Thank you in advance!

Check out the other wonderful programs that the Urban Libraries Section is sponsoring (and co-sponsoring) at this year’s conference:

PRECONFERENCE: Practical Skills for Homeless, Addicted, and Mentally Ill Patrons

Wednesday, May 30th, 10 AM - 1 PM, Wildwood 23 & 24

Do you have patrons who bring in too many bags? Smell really bad? Panhandle? Argue? In this interactive training you will learn why homeless individuals do what they do and the practical tools for resolving problems. After this training, you will have more confidence with homeless patrons. The presenter, Ryan Dowd, is the Executive Director of a large homeless shelter outside of Chicago. He is currently writing a book on the topic for the American Library Association.

Sponsored by Diversity & Outreach, Personnel Administration Subcommittee, Professional Development Committee and Urban Libraries

Things You Need to Know About Your Homeless Patrons

Thursday, May 31st, 11:30 AM - 12:20 PM, Wildwood 12 & 13

If you aren’t able to attend the Wednesday pre-conference, you will have this opportunity to hear Ryan Dowd give an excerpt of that program regarding homeless patrons and how best to understand and interact with them.

Sponsored by Urban Libraries, Professional Development, and Personnel Administration Subcommittee

Unifying Drum Circle

Thursday, May 31st, 8:30 - 9:30 PM, Wildwood 25 & 26

A unique conference experience with Richard Reiter, B.A., M.M., NJ certified teacher and drum leader. Grab a drum and let go to experience the empowerment a drum circle can generate in participants. Take this feeling with you as you return to your libraries and pass it along.

Sponsored by Urban Libraries Section, Diversity & Outreach, Member Services Committee, and the NJ State Library