Tell the truth -- have you ever looked at the program for NJLA and just skipped over the Public Policy or Intellectual Freedom programs thinking they didn't really apply to you?  Well this year we truly have something for everyone!  In a year with so many issues playing out locally, statewide and federally, do not miss this opportunity to learn and engage with your profession. 

In addition to our popular Update session, we have programs to help you become a better advocate, celebrate your library's successes, learn about the status of school libraries in NJ, and join a conversation on diversity, collection development, intellectual freedom and our role in social justice.  Public policy and Intellectual Freedom issues play out in every library every day.  Make sure you are able to participate when they do by joining us at NJLA this year.

One Talking Point at a Time: Library Sound Bites that Work

Patrick Sweeney, well-known Political Director of EveryLibrary, will teach the basics of creating winning messages and sound bites that help promote your library and Friends groups. Employing the formula 27/9/3 (use 27 words in 9 seconds to make 3 simple points) and other communication tools, learn skills that will craft a message that resonates with your community and delivers it efficiently, effectively and as often as possible. Excellent for library staff, Friends and Trustees. LibraryLinkNJ, The New Jersey Library Cooperative, is generously supporting and co-sponsoring of this NJLA preconference program.

Event Time: Monday, April 24, 2017 - 1:00pm to 4:30pm

Location: Wildwood 14 & 15

NJLA Public Policy Update

Please join us for an update from the NJLA Public Policy and Intellectual Freedom committee members. We'll let you know the latest on construction funding, library ballot initiatives, school library advocacy and all the issues on the state and federal level that impact our members and their libraries.

Presenter(s): Eileen M. Palmer, LMxAC and Chair, NJLA Public Policy Committee; Jeanne Marie Ryan, Roselle Public Library and Vice Chair, NJLA Public Policy Committee; Amy Babcock Landry, Livingston Public Library and Chair, NJLA Intellectual Freedom Subcommittee; Patricia Tumulty, Executive Director, NJLA

Event Time: Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 3:10pm to 4:00pm

Location: Wildwood 6 & 7

Celebrating You and Your Library

The NJLA Task Force on Public Library Assessment and Advocacy was charged with identifying ways to celebrate NJ libraries that are providing great service to their communities. Find out how we can work together to raise awareness about great library services, replicate great services throughout our state, and increase funding for the positive outcomes our work supports.

Presenter(s): Brett Bonfield, Princeton Public Library and Chair, NJLA Task Force on Public Library Assessment and Advocacy; members of the NJLA Task Force on Public Library Assessment and Advocacy

Event Time: Tuesday, April 25, 2017 - 4:10pm to 5:00pm

Location: Wildwood 14 & 15

Unlock Student Potential: Supporting NJ School Library Programs

It is important for public librarians and academic librarians to better understand the importance of school libraries and how they can advocate for them. Learn about NJLA's efforts advocating for NJ's school libraries and Information Literacy, why this advocacy is critical for the future of education in our communities, and how you can help.

Presenter(s): Patricia Tumulty, Executive Director, NJLA; James Keehbler, Piscataway Public Library and Chair, NJLA Task Force on School Libraries; Mo Donohue, Piscataway Public Library; Cara Berg, William Paterson University; Darby Malvey, Clayton Middle School

Event Time: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 2:30pm to 3:20pm

Location: Wildwood 10 & 11

Practical Conversations about Diversity, Inclusion, Intellectual Freedom and Our Role in Social Justice Work

Colleagues in librarianship and publishing will discuss issues pertaining to intellectual freedom, collection development and access, particularly as both professions address improving access to materials that are culturally diverse and inclusive. Librarians and book reviewers are playing an increasingly important role as their work intersects with social justice work like We Need Diverse Books and Black Lives Matter. How do we weave together our commitments to social justice and intellectual freedom in our collections, services and programs? What steps can we take to identify and dismantle personal biases? And how can we bring colleagues along in these ongoing conversations?

Presenter(s): Panel One Speakers: Justina Ireland, author; Sujei Lugo, Boston Public Library; Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Literacy, Culture & International Education Division; Anna Coats, Livingston Public Library Panel Two Speakers: Kiera Parrott, Reviews Director, Library Journal and School Library Journal; Pham Condello, Old Bridge Public Library; Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library; Kay Cassel, Rutgers University

Moderators: Sophie Brookover, LibraryLinkNJ; Eileen M. Palmer, LMxAC

Event Time: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 - 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Location: Wildwood 12 & 13

In the past we may have glazed over at phrases like "construction funding" or "Public Library Assessment,"...

...but they are more important now than ever. #NJLA17 is your opportunity to catch up and get involved, so don't miss out!

Kimberly Paone and the 2016-2017 Conference Committee