A Message from SCLA President, Bob Johnson, on Advocacy Day 2026:

Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Suffolk County Library Association, I would like to extend our sincere thanks for the incredible outpouring of support and participation at this year’s Library Advocacy Day in Albany.
Your presence made a powerful statement. When we put action behind our words and show up together, our voices carry farther and are heard more clearly. Because of your commitment, our legislators saw firsthand the strength, unity, and dedication of the library community in Suffolk County. Your advocacy truly makes a difference for the future of our libraries and the communities we serve.
We are especially grateful for the extra time and effort it took to travel by bus and spend a full day advocating. Your willingness to go the extra mile speaks volumes about your passion and professionalism.
A heartfelt thank you as well to the entire SCLA Board, The Suffolk Cooperative Library System, the Public Library Directors’ Association, NYLA, our bus captains, and, most especially, Samantha Alberts for her outstanding coordination of the bus schedules and the day’s logistics. Her organization and support helped make the entire experience seamless and successful.
Thank you again for standing together, speaking up, and representing our libraries so proudly. We are stronger because of each of you.
All the best,
Bob
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YASD 2026 Annual Fran Romer Memorial Book Talk

The YASD 2026 Annual Fran Romer Memorial Book Talk will take place on Thursday, April 16, from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM at the South Huntington Public Library. This year’s theme is Graphic Novels: Teen Tales in Panels.

Join guest speaker Mike Cavallaro, author of the Nico Bravo and Eowulf series, for a discussion of the first title in the Eowulf series, Eowulf: Of Monsters and Middle School. Attendees will have the chance to win raffle prizes, earn CEUs, and enjoy lunch.

When registering, please include your top two discussion group choices. Registration closes on March 31.

Cost: $35 for members, $40 for non-members.

Register here!

SCLA Winter Mix and Mingle

Join your library colleagues for the Winter Mix and Mingle Event on Thursday, February 26th from 6-9pm at James Joyce Restaurant & Pub in Patchogue. Enjoy cocktail foods, a cash bar, and raffles while mingling with like-minded library folk from across the county. This is a great opportunity to celebrate with colleagues and also build meaningful connections that can support your professional journey. We look forward to seeing you there!

SCLA, PLDA & CLASC Members: $15
Non-Members & Guests: $30

When: Thursday, February 26th from 6-9pm
Where: James Joyce Restaurant & Pub in Patchogue. The address is: 49 South Ocean Ave Patchogue, NY 11772

Register here!

CATS and SSD Present: Vega Discover Training and Staff Discussion

Join SSD and CATS for an interactive session focused on Vega Discover (or Livebrary County Catalog).
Take a deep dive into Vega Discover as we prepare for the retirement of the classic catalog. This session ensures all staff are comfortable navigating the Livebrary Catalog to better serve our community.
Feature Overview: Explore the latest updates and tools within Vega Discover.
Patron Support: Strategies to help you guide your patrons through this transition.
Knowledge Sharing: An open forum to discuss implementation and share tips or tricks with colleagues.
Monday, February 23
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Mastic Moriches Shirley Community Library – Main Library Branch
407 William Floyd Pkwy
Shirley, NY 11967
Register here!