SCLA’s Annual Dinner 2025

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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

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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.

 

CATS’ East End Tech Coalition Presents- Navigating the Future: Teaching Emerging Tech in Libraries

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Wednesday, July 30, 2025
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
CLS 627 Sunrise Hwy, Bellport, NY 11713

This presentation is designed to help library professionals teach emerging technologies and promote digital literacy. Examples of practical strategies like hands-on workshops, makerspaces, and digital literacy programs, along with the tools and partnerships needed to support them will be covered. Successful library initiatives will be showcased and participants will leave with concrete steps and best practices to create or improve technology-focused programs. This seminar aims to position libraries as essential centers for innovation and learning in their communities.

Register Here

CATS: Technical Services Roundtable – Technical Services Roundtable

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The Technical Services Roundtable provides opportunities for any and all technical services library staff to come together and share techniques, strategies, and procedures related to ordering, processing, cataloging, and maintaining library materials. Join us for a spirited discussion where we will ask questions, share unique tips and tricks, and network with fellow tech services workers!   
 
When: 
  • Thursday, June 12, 2025
    10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

    Where:
    SCLS
    627 Sunrise Hwy
    Bellport, NY 11713

 

Excellence in Library Service Award Nominations

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Nominations are officially open for this year’s Excellence in Library Service Awards. So, if you know someone who you feel deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond in the library world, print out and fill out the form below and get those recommendation letters written. The brochure with full details of the award can be found here. Nominations will be open until July 31, 2025 so anything emailed, mailed or sent through system will be accepted until then.

As always, we look forward from hearing about all the wonderful library workers we have here in Suffolk County.

Nomination Form

[SCLA] Networking Opportunity: SCLA, PLDA, & CLASC’s Annual Spring Mix and Mingle on June 5th

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Please join us for an exciting networking opportunity on Thursday, June 5th from 6-9pm at James Joyce in Patchogue! Mix and mingle with friends and colleagues from SCLA, PLDA and CLASC in a relaxed and social environment. Cocktail foods, a cash bar, and raffles will be available for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register Here  or click “Register Here” on the attached flyer to secure your spot today!
Pricing
Association Members: $15.00
Non-Members and Guests: $30.00
Location
James Joyce Pub & Restaurant
Have questions? Email Morgan Tamburro: morgan@sayvillelibrary.org

DASL Luncheon

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Feel like the auto dealership is taking advantage of you, have no idea about car buying or servicing? Need to know the real car facts? Have we got an expert for you!!!

Please join us for the DASL annual luncheon special talk by Brent Thompson, professor of automotive technology, presentation, and q & a. Lunch

Where: Nosh Restaurant 470 Wheeler Rd, Hauppauge, NY 11788
When: May 21, 2025 1:00 p.m.

$15 for lunch and presentation (you can’t beat that combination)

Register here

 

CATS and EETC present: So You Want To Have a Makerspace?

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CATS and EETC present: So You Want To Have a Makerspace?
 
Tuesday, April 15, 10:00 am

Want to start a makerspace at your library but don’t know where to begin? This program provides librarians and library staff with the essential knowledge and tools to plan, launch, and sustain a successful makerspace. From cutting-edge technology and hardware to must-have software, you’ll gain practical insights to create an innovative and engaging space for your community.
———

All members of SCLA, its divisions, library personnel, and those interested in joining SCLA are welcome!

 
For more information on CATS, its programs, and its committees — click here!
 
**Membership to SCLA or CATS (and its committees) is NOT required to attend. All are welcome!**
 

SCLA Advocacy Update: IMLS Grants to States Program Withdrawn

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Colleagues and Friends, 
 
Last night, we received word that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States Program has been cancelled. This action withdraws 85% of the federally appropriated aid to the New York State Library and Division of Library Development (DLD). The consequences of this decision will be profound, including a significant impact on all of Suffolk’s libraries and by extension, our professions, patrons, communities.

As we learn more about the local implications, we will share updates. But right now, we must respond.

The SCLA Executive Board has issued an official statement on behalf of The Association. The statement is attached to this email and will be on our website shortly. We urge you to read it – and more importantly, to take action.

Contact Your Representatives Today
We strongly encourage you to reach out to the following individuals, especially if you are a constituent. Tell them what libraries mean to you, and why this funding must be restored. 

 
Call, write, and email

Andrew Garbarino

31 Oak Street Suite 20

Patchogue, NY  11772

Phone: (631) 541-4225

https://garbarino.house.gov/contact

Nicholas LaLota

515 Hauppauge Road Suite 3B

Hauppauge, NY  11788

Phone: (631) 289-1097

https://lalota.house.gov/contact

What Should You Say?

  • Share your name and contact information.
  • Say that you are a constituent and that you care deeply about libraries.
  • Be brief, direct, and authentic.
  • Add a personal story if you have one.
  • If calling, prepare your message ahead of time.


Why This Matters
Here’s what is now possibly at risk with the loss of this funding:

  • NOVEL NY Databases: Resources like Opposing Viewpoints, Academic OneFile, and Britannica – used by students, educators, and job seekers.
  • Library Construction Aid: Critical funding for libraries to make buildings ADA-compliant and meet the needs of growing communities could disappear.
  • Training and Consulting: Staff at the NYS Library provide expert support in areas like records management, and library staff can request training or consult with staff to understand their obligations.
  • Library Systems and Resource Councils: 23 Library Systems and 9 Resource Councils in the State rely on aid from the NYS and DLD to keep their doors open. These entities provide programs and support to the 756 public libraries in the state in areas like eBook and electronic resources purchases, delivery of materials that libraries borrowed from other libraries, and professional resources.


Our Message Is Simple
“Libraries are essential to me, my family, and my community – we vote, and we want this funding restored. Do what you must to reverse these cuts.”

We know that these are uncertain times, but these times require action. Raise your voice and tell everyone that our libraries are worth fighting for.

 
Thank you for your time and attention. 
On behalf of the Suffolk County Library Association Board,
Anthony Giansante
SCLA President