SCLA is looking for submissions to include in the next issue of our newsletter. Share what your divisions and committees have been up to with a brief entry and/or pictures. Submit your materials to Nikki Greenhalgh at Port Jeff Free Library.

Cheers to another successful Long Island Library Conference- excellent programs, speakers, vendors, and more! Thanks to Nancy Pearl for an engaging and humorous Keynote presentation. Congratulations to LDA Award winner Mary Westermann and YASD BEST Award winner Ryquasia Bonds. Visit the Long Island Library Conference website for program materials and pictures.

SCLA has been working with NYLA on joint membership options, and the following is an exciting proposal that takes the concept a bit further, where we explore the possibility of SCLA becoming an official chapter of NYLA. We invite you to take a look at the SCLA-NYLA Chapter Proposal (PDF) and direct any questions or comments to the SCLA Executive Board in person, by phone, or email at scla@suffolk.lib.ny.us
Lisa Kropp, President- Half Hollow Hills Community Library
Joanne Albano, Vice President- Commack Public Library
Michael Bogin, Secretary- Huntington Public Library
Celia Vollmer, Treasurer- Brentwood Public Library
Tracy Van Dyne, Past President- Brentwood Public Library

Which amendment in The Bill of Rights is the most important to you?
A mixed media contest for all Suffolk County residents

Choose one amendment of the United States Bill of Rights and express why it is important to you. Your expression may be submitted as written word, a work of art, or a form of digital media. View the Freedom Contest brochure (PDF) for complete details. Entry deadline: April 17, 2012

Registration is now open for the Long Island Library Conference

Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Melville Marriott

Join us for an incredible opportunity to hear from Keynote Speaker & Presenter Nancy Pearl, attend informative and educational sessions, and network with other professionals in the field.

Visit the Long Island Library Conference website for program descriptions, schedule, and more. Registration deadline: April 27, 2012.

Make your voice be heard! Contact your elected officials to let them know about the importance of libraries. New York Library Association (NYLA) has an Online Advocacy Center- click on the “Become a Library Advocate” button, click the “Take Action” button, and then fill in the required information.

The Excellence in Library Service Award (ELSA) is designed to recognize dedication to public service demonstrated by any staff member of a public, school, special or academic library. We welcome nominations submitted by any employee of a Suffolk County library or any Suffolk County library patron.  Pages, clerks, librarians and trainees, as well as office, custodial and security staff from any Suffolk County library are eligible.  Outstanding public service may be demonstrated by fostering team spirit, exemplary job performance, promoting good will among patrons and staff, or an innovative approach to one’s work.

View the Nomination Form (PDF) for complete details.   All applications must be submitted by June 30, 2012.

The LDA Award  provides recognition to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to libraries on Long Island. By honoring the winner we honor all the people who contribute to the profession.  Librarians, trustees, support staff, friends of the library, vendors and publishers are eligible to be nominated. View the Nomination Form (PDF) for complete details. Nomination deadline: March 23, 2012.

Save the date for the Long Island Library Conference on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Melville Marriott. The Keynote Speaker & Presenter is Reader’s Advisory guru, Nancy Pearl! View the Long Island Library Conference website for more details.

As we get started in 2012, please remember to renew your SCLA membership. New members are welcome too. The Suffolk County Library Association (SCLA) has been serving librarians, staff and trustees of Suffolk County’s libraries since 1939. Its divisions, committees and liaisons bring members the best in professional development programs and activities through workshops, publications and conferences.  Renew or join us today!  SCLA Membership Form (PDF).