Next NJLTA Executive Board Meeting
Link will be provided shortly
Welcome
Public library trustees have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the quality of life of their communities. Now more than ever before, New Jersey's public libraries rely on the wisdom, insights, diligence, and influence of their trustees. This site is designed to provide information and resources to guide trustees in their work as they promote the strength and stability of their libraries and as they advocate for support at all levels of government.
New Jersey Library Trustee Updates
NJ Attorney General and NJLA Statements on IMLS Funding Cuts
NJLA Statement on the elimination of IMLS Funding
https://www.njla.org/news/institute-of-museum-and-library-services-imls
NJ Attorney General Matthew Platkin joins lawsuit against Trump Administration to cuts to Federal Programs including IMLS
https://www.njoag.gov/tag/new-jersey-state-library/
Library Trustees Training Series - Advocacy and You: Perfect Together – April 23rd – 7:00PM
Library Trustee Training Program- Hold the Date May 19, 2025 at 7:00 via Zoom
Douglas S. Zucker, attorney with Weiner Law Group LLP, primarily represents private and public sector employers, and not-for-profit organizations. He has a particular focus on representing public libraries as both general library counsel and as labor counsel and currently represents more than 40 public libraries throughout New Jersey. Mr. Zucker is the new NJLA attorney now replacing Michael Cerone who recently retired. Registration information will be available in the near future.
Recording Available: Media Training For Library Employees
Join Tiffany McClary, Director of Communications & Marketing at the New Jersey State Library, and Brett Bonfield, Executive Director of the New Jersey Library Association, as they discuss the importance of media training for library employees and the new Media Training 101 Guidebook
Passing of Long-time NJLTA President
NJLTA is sorry to announce the passing of Patricia Pavlak. Pat was a past president of NJLTA and President of the Cranford Library Board for over 20 years.
Freedom to Read Legislation Signed into Law
In January 2024 there was a bill introduced to create a law against book banning in NJ - The Freedom to Read bill, S2421 and A3446 sponsored by Senator Andrew Zwicker (LD16), Senator Teresa Ruiz (LD29) and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis (LD16).
Increase Library Funding Through Referendum: Learn More about the Johnson Act
NJLA offered a program on the “Johnson Act” which explains how libraries can increase funding through a referendum. The video is available at:
Links from 2024 Trustee Institute
Video: https://youtu.be/HfJMDDZcpvw?si=z0VNNbQoDvbnLogD
Individual presentations can be found below.
Book Sanctuaries
NJLA is collecting data on book sanctuaries.