Watch Session Recordings

2021

• June
  • Program Name: What’s It Like Being a Notary in a Library?
    • Program Description: What’s It Like Being a Notary in a Library? We will review the definition and purpose of a notary public, why and how the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey began to offer notary services, and important considerations to be made when preparing to offer notary services at any library. Pascoe will also share insights regarding how to get started, common notary interactions, and resources to support library staff notaries.
• July
  • Program Name: Connected Learning: A Recipe for Success
    • Program Description: Did you know that you’re probably using Connected Learning when you’re working with tweens and teens in the library? Discover what it is and learn how to use it more effectively to ensure that the youth you work with will be more engaged in your library’s programming which will allow them to gain valuable life skills they can use for future success. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and share programming ideas during this highly participatory session. Helpful resources will also be included to support your work with youth.
• August
  • Program Name: News and Updates from the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center
    • Program Description: Do you have library patrons who have difficulty reading standard printed materials? Learn how the NJ State Library Talking Book & Braille Center can help. It’s easier than ever to get your patrons signed-up to borrow TBBC’s collection of accessible material (audiobooks, Braille, large print.) Learn how individuals and institutions can apply; find out about new programs; and discover how to download audiobooks and Braille.
• September
  • Program Name: Aerospace STEM Kits
    • Program Description: Need new ideas of how to incorporate STEM into your library programming? Want to reach a larger age group through STEM activities? Get an overview of becoming an Aerospace Educator by Michael Castania, Lt Col for Civil Air Patrol.
• October
  • Program Name: Why Is It So Difficult to Absorb Information Right Now?
    • Program Description: Do you find yourself suffering from information overload? Emails,  new policies and procedures, new library services, in-person meetings, virtual meetings, webinars, etc. are all coming at you at warp speed. It’s a lot to navigate. Cassandra Collucci, System Training Manager for the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ), will explore why, more than ever, it is difficult to focus and absorb new information. We will cover how you process new information during times of stress and how that impacts information retention. The webinar will include practical examples and tools to escape information overload.

• November
  • Program Name: Fine Free Libraries
    • Program Description: We will discuss how a multi-branch/multi-department team from Somerset County Library System made a case to library stakeholders for eliminating library fines.

2022

• March

• • Program Name: Adding Games into Library Programming
    • Program Description: Want to include games in your programming? Need help getting young adults into the library? Learn how to start a gaming program in your library, how to talk with leadership staff about gaining the resources needed, and how staff can promote the events. Errol Logan will share tips and insights that library assistants can implement in their buildings. He will go over what types of games make for the best engagement, speak about target audience sizes, and how situational decision-making choices shown in gaming translate to usable life skills.

• April

• • Program Name: Serving Gen Z
    • Program Description: Millennials get blamed for a lot, but did you know the average millennial is in their 30’s? The upcoming generation (roughly age 10-25) is known as Generation Z and they are very different from Millennials. Learn about their needs, why they think the way they do, and how we can tweak our services to reach them better.

• September

• • Program Name: Know Yourself! A Guide to Getting Organized
    • Program Description: Did you know that your internal clock impacts what time of day you’re most focused, most creative, most likely to make a mistake, and most likely to be in a good (or bad) mood? In this session, we will cover getting to know yourself, how to organize your day for prime levels of productivity, and a few online tools that can help you along the way.

• November

• • Program Name: Getting Organized in Google
    • Program Description: Make the Google environment work for you! With multiple ways to stay organized, communicate, search for files, and streamline tasking, Rich Loomis will share tips and best practices for getting the most out of your Google account.

2023

• January

• • Program Name: Good Grief
    • Program Description: In this session, Evelynn Moon will share about the resources and programs available both virtually and in-person to support grieving children and families through Good Grief. Together we will identify the various losses and adversities that people face and their impact on behaviors, learning, relationships, and wellbeing, explore the multidimensional nature of the grief experience, and discuss best practices around supporting grief. Good Grief is a New Jersey-based nonprofit that builds resilience in children, strengthens families, and empowers communities to grow through loss and adversity. Learn more at www.good-grief.org

• February

• • Program Name: Optimizing the Chrome Browser
    • Program Description: Google Chrome is a common internet browser with user customizations. Yet, not many users know how to make the browser work for them. We’ll discuss the different settings, go over how to save bookmarks and create folders, where to find downloads, how to add extensions, go over what a cookie is, how to clear history, and when to use incognito mode—presented by Crystal Hooper, Technical Project Specialist at SCLSNJ and NJALA Treasurer.
  • Program Name: Change and Your Brain
    • Program Description: We all handle change differently, and a lot of that is determined by how your brain works. In this session, you’ll learn about SCARF, a model to help you understand the things that make change difficult for you and for others. You’ll also get some ideas for how to make that model work for you at the library and at home. Presented by Lynn Hoffman, Deputy Director at the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey.

• March
  • Program Name: Tricks for Google Sheets
    • Program Description: Google Sheets is an app within the Google environment. It has the familiarity of Microsoft Excel and operates similarly, but in the cloud. We’ll discuss features, formatting, and practice working with data in spreadsheets for novice users—presented by Crystal Hooper, Branch Manager at SCLSNJ and NJALA Treasurer. 
  • Program Name: Graphic Novels for All Ages
    • Program Description: Join us as we discuss graphic novels for readers of all ages. We will talk about new and notable books for the youngest readers through adults, as well as current publishing trends. Presented by Katie Thomas, Children’s Librarian at the Westfield Memorial Library.