Discover how your library can reconsider the WHY of summer programming to center summer library services on equity to better meet the needs of youth and families from systemically marginalized communities. Library staff participating in the IMLS funded Building Equity Based Summers (BEBS) Project will discuss strategies for redesigning summer services that honor diversity and inclusion in equity-based library initiatives by giving systemically marginalized community members a voice and leadership role in implementing these services.

In 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law new ID requirements that expanded access to driver's licenses and Non-Driver ID to approximately 800,000 NJ Residents. Benefiting most from the change in legislation were undocumented residents, survivors of domestic violence and those reentering society after an encounter with the criminal system. Since the implementation began in 2021, few statewide efforts to ensure language accessible driver's education have been put forth. The lack of accurate information and support has led to significant fraud and scam.

Looking to build partnerships and meet your community where they’re at? We’ll share our experiences getting out of the library and suggest ways to make innovative outreach successful where YOU are. Learn more about Glen Ridge’s train station pop up library, Hackensack’s partnerships with HACPAC and the Main Street Business Alliance, West Orange’s summer STEM @ Thomas Edison National Historical Park, and Franklin Township’s outreach committee and summer camp programming.

My non-profit organization specializes in game-based learning programs which are highly beneficial to library communities and in particular, students from 7th-12th grade. We were founded specifically as an educational organization, and have found that tabletop, role playing, and board games can enhance what libraries do by building connections within the community.