Category: SCLA

SCLA Annual Dinner 2026

Posted onAuthorsteve alcalde

SCLA ANNUAL DINNER 2026

Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 6 – 10 pm

Captain Bill’s Bayview House

122 Ocean Avenue, Bay Shore NY 11706

You’re invited to the library networking event of the year! Enjoy raffles, awards, and the annual meeting over cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a delicious dinner at Captain Bill’s beautiful Bayview House. There will be live music, giveaways, and more fun surprises – you won’t want to miss this!

Ticket prices have been significantly lowered this year thanks to our generous dinner sponsor, CCP Solutions!

SCLA Members: $65

Non-SCLA Members: $85

Your library may be able to pay for your ticket as a professional development opportunity. Ask your supervisor or director.

Help spread holiday cheer to children across Long Island by bringing an unwrapped toy.  Donations will go to Angels of Long Island in Patchogue to brighten the season for local kids.

**Please note: Bar is cash only (credit cards can be accepted at Captain Bill’s main bar)**

Register here!

Long Island Library Technology Forum

Posted onAuthorsteve alcalde

Join the East End Tech Coalition (EETC) and the Technology Information Forum (TIF), committees of the Computer and Technical Services Division (CATS) of the Suffolk County Library Association (SCLA), along with the Nassau County Library Association (NCLA), for an island-wide technology forum at Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton on September 23.

Library staff who work with technology are invited to exchange ideas, discuss current projects, and explore the unique challenges of serving as a technology professional in a library setting. This informal gathering will provide an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, offer solutions, and build connections with colleagues from across Long Island.

Register here!

SCLA Bowling Mix & Mingle

Posted onAuthorsteve alcalde

SCLA Bowling Mix & Mingle
Join us for a fun night of bowling, food and drinks, and networking with your fellow library workers!
What’s included: lanes, bowling shoes, party food, soda.  Space is limited, sign up now!
SCLA Members: $20
Non-Members & Guests: $35
When:  Tuesday, September 15th from 7-9pm
Where:  Sayville Lucky Strike Bowling. The address is: 5660 Sunrise Hwy, Sayville, NY 11782

MENTOR MINDSET: Supporting Growth at Every Stage

Posted onAuthorsteve alcalde

Join SCLA, PLDA, and CLASC for a panel presentation featuring seasoned and new Assistant Directors and Directors as they share the importance of having professional mentors, and tips for growing your mindset when it comes to being a leader – no matter your job title!
When: Tuesday, July 28th  1:00-3:00 PM
Where: SCLS
Click here to register

SCLA Broadway Day

Posted onAuthorsteve alcalde

Suffolk County Library Association’s Broadway Day is a fun outing featuring a limited number of tickets for an unforgettable day in the city. SCLA members may purchase tickets for themselves as well as family and friends, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the experience together. With only 30 spots available, early registration is encouraged. Please note that all attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

Pick-up:  11:30 am at SCLS, followed by LIE exit 58 Park & Ride
Lunch: 2 pm at Parker & Quinn, 64 W 39th Street
Show: 5 pm, Drunk Shakespeare, 35 W 39th Street
Leave NYC @ 7 pm

Register here! 

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

Posted onAuthorsteve alcalde

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
May be an image of crowd

SCLA Winter Mix and Mingle

Posted onAuthorsteve alcalde

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!

SCLA’s Annual Dinner 2025

Posted onAuthorscla admin

SCLA’s Annual Dinner is Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 6-10 pm. Join your colleagues for networking, awards, and the annual meeting over cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a delicious dinner at Captain Bill’s. There will be live music, raffles, and more fun surprises – you won’t want to miss this!

Help spread holiday cheer to children across Long Island by bringing an unwrapped toy!  Donations will go to Angels of Long Island in Patchogue to brighten the season for local kids.

**Please note: Bar is cash only (credit cards can be accepted at Captain Bill’s main bar)**

You could win prizes donated by these local businesses:

  • NY Axe Throwing Range
  • Island Salt and Spa
  • Sayville Bean
  • Paper Doll Vintage
  • Sayville Falls Mini Golf
  • Local Burger
  • …And many more!

Your library may be able to pay for your ticket as a professional development opportunity. Ask your supervisor or director!

Register

2025 NCLA/SCLA/CLASC PD Series with LILPA & Sam Helmick

Posted onAuthorscla admin

Monday, September 22nd @ 2PM

Zoom

2025 NCLA/SCLA/CLASC Professional Development Series

Join us as Sam Helmick (they/them), the 2025-2026 ALA President, discusses reflections and practices for grounding ourselves when the world feels like, well, a dumpster fire.

Helmick served as a member of the ALA Executive Board and a past president of the Iowa Library Association. They previously served as former chair-elect on the Intellectual Freedom Round Table and chair of the Iowa Governor’s Commission of Libraries. They have served on committees for the Network of the National Library of Medicine, the Stonewall Book Awards, the ALA Policy Monitoring Committee, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Michael L. Printz Committee, the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) Sophie Brody Award Committee, and the YALSA Fundraising Task Force. Helmick is a 2016 Emerging Leader, as well as an author, consultant, and instructor for social media marketing and graphic design.

You can register here.