It's hard for most kids to sit still for storytime, but for those with sensory processing disorder or other neurodivergencies, it may be impossible. Every child deserves to experience storytime and library programming. How can we help all families feel comfortable regardless of their child’s sensory needs or complications? During this session we’ll hear from a panel, including a mom of a neurodivergent child, plus offer suggestions and invite discussion for creating welcoming, inclusive programming.

The County Libraries Awards Luncheon is an opportunity for county library staff to network and discuss challenges and successes from the past year. Awards will be given to showcase a great employee, team, and project from each library system. 

Sponsored by Silver Strategic Partner Settembrino Architects.

Bilingual staff are integral to libraries, but bilingual tasks and translation work are difficult and time consuming endeavors. Many libraries may be taking advantage (often without even realizing it). Join us to learn how to avoid asking too much of your bilingual team members. Plus, explore the avenues available for providing additional pay, as well as crafting job titles and job descriptions, that acknowledge and compensate for the hard work these staff members do every day.

Experience an intimate conversation with three Rutgers faculty. Marc Aronson will describe how he and Yale Professor Paul Freedman worked with four partners to tell the middle grade story of Bite by Bite: American History Through Feasts, Foods, and Side Dishes. Joyce Valenza will share content from her School Library Manager: Leading Through Change and its free companion website, as well as her chapter: The Future of School Libraries: It's About Equity.

Thinking about new career opportunities and wondering what's available in county libraries? Working in another type of library but want to make a change? Find out how to grow your career in a county library from a panel of those who are successfully, and happily, doing just that.