Join NELA in recognizing the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). TDOR is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

It started in Boston in 1999, when Gwendolyn Ann Smith organized a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a Black trans woman who was murdered in November 1998. Anti-trans stigma, denial of opportunity, and increased risk factors all contribute to a higher risk of violence toward trans people. Studies prove that there is a disproportionate risk of violence toward trans people of color, and especially trans women of color in particular. To honor the lives of people lost to anti-trans violence, it is vital to amplify the pressing need for more thorough and empathetic reporting of anti-trans violence in the criminal justice system and the media. As anti LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation in the U.S. continues to escalate, TDOR offers library workers the opportunity to reflect on services we can provide to the trans community. What can libraries do?

Janet McKenney

NELA is pleased to announce Janet McKenney as the 2023 Emerson Greenaway Award Recipient.

Janet McKenney is an exceptional librarian whose career has been dedicated to the advancement of library services in her adopted state of Maine, and, through her outstanding leadership and numerous collaborations, across New England and the country. An early adopter of technology, she possessed the vision and the drive to improve library services in Maine by bringing technology, connectivity and related support to libraries statewide, understanding that a robust internet connection could make a big difference for library services in isolated communities. Throughout her career, she worked tirelessly to support librarians and library staff in their adoption of technology and digital services and build a robust network for libraries. While her expertise was clearly that of a technologist, she approached it as a humanitarian, never forgetting that first and foremost technology serves people and that all people deserve to have access to current technology, reliable high speed Internet, and the skills to use both effectively.

Incoming Vice-President/President Elect - Jennifer He | Incoming Member-at-Large - Aaron Coutu | Current & Incoming Treasurer - Bernie Prochnik

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Incoming Vice-President/President Elect - Jennifer He

Jennifer has been a member of NELA since 2018, where she currently serves as chair of the ITS section. She is passionate about helping librarians incorporate technology into their work to enhance their productivity. She has led conferences and “In the Know” sessions on topics such as designing websites, chatbot integration, digital makerspaces, multilingual translation tools, Google Analytics, social media automation tools, and accessibility and usability standards. During her latest presentation, Jennifer shared insights on how the use of AI chat, image, and video generators can assist librarians in enhancing their work.

Did you know that one of the rewards of having an active NELA membership is being able to participate in NELA's Mentor/Mentee Program? Joining NELA's list of available mentors is a great way to volunteer at your own pace. NELA will always respect a mentor's decision if they decide they are unable to accept a mentee request.

We are also excited to be launching the *NEW* NELA Mentor/Mentee Training Workshops in September. These free, virtual workshops are a requirement to participate in the mentor/mentee program. We will be holding two mentee training sessions and two mentor training sessions. The workshop dates and times are below. You only need to attend ONE session.

Calling All Superheroes!

Submit Your Nomination for the 2023 Emerson Greenaway Award

NEW Deadline: Aug. 18th

The Emerson Greenaway Award is the New England Library Association’s award for distinguished service in librarianship. In 1988, NELA President Christine Kardokas established the “Great Librarian Award” to recognize the contributions of exceptional librarians. The first recipient to be honored for his outstanding achievements was Emerson Greenaway, an innovator in library organization and practice in the mid-twentieth century. Two years later, this regional tribute was renamed the Emerson Greenaway Award to honor the memory of its first recipient. It is presented annually, whenever there is a worthy candidate, at NELA’s Annual Conference. A list of past recipients can be found HERE.

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It's a bird...it's a place...no wait, it is a bird! It's NELA's Early Bird Registration!

Early bird registration is now open! Learn more about all things #NELA2023 and register today!

#NELA2023

DUE DATE: 7/7/23

These grants provide financial assistance to NELA members for conferences, courses, institutes, seminars or other study opportunities not leading to a degree, including NELA programs. The award may subsidize up to a maximum of $1,000. Retrospective awards are allowed. Applicants must be a NELA member.

These awards cover any continuing education you have taken since January 1, 2023 through now, or that you plan to take from now through December 31, 2023. Applications are due July 7, 2023.

GRANT APPLICATION

For more information, or if you have questions, contact Lauren Mandel, Chair of the NELA Educational Assistance Committee at [email protected].

NELA is pleased to announce an excellent slate of candidates for the positions of Vice-President/President Elect, Member-at-Large, and Treasurer for the 2023 - 2024 Executive Board. All people with active NELA memberships should have received a ballot from NELA's official QuestionPro account on Tuesday, June 13th. We have gotten feedback that some people have been finding it in their spam folder. If you have an active membership, and you have double-checked your spam folder, and you still are not seeing a ballot, please email Megan Bishop at [email protected].

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Candidates for Vice-President/President Elect

Jennifer He | Lee Shaw

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Jennifer He

Jennifer has been a member of NELA since 2018, where she currently serves as chair of the ITS section. She is passionate about helping librarians incorporate technology into their work to enhance their productivity. She has led conferences and “In the Know” sessions on topics such as designing websites, chatbot integration, digital makerspaces, multilingual translation tools, Google Analytics, social media automation tools, and accessibility and usability standards. During her latest presentation, Jennifer shared insights on how the use of AI chat, image, and video generators can assist librarians in enhancing their work.

NERTCL (New England Roundtable of Teen & Children's Librarians) has decided to postpone the spring event and is looking at a likely September date, exact date TBD. Please stay tuned for more details to come in the coming months! If you have any program ideas or questions now, please feel free to reach out to NERTCL Chair, Kylie Woodmansee, [email protected].

Bam! Kapow!

Are you feeling re-charged after attending your state conference? Great news! We've extended the deadline to submit a proposal for #NELA2023!

NEW Deadline: June 7th

Submit Today

Learn More & Register Today

Summer Reading is Almost Here!

Here are 6 benefits of reading (while eating chocolate).

NELA's See's Candies Storefront

NERTCL Conference: TikTalk: Find Your Niche (Virtual)

Seeking Proposals

Event Date: June 30th, 10:00am - 2:00pm

Submission Deadline: May 26th

NERTCL is looking for presentations for our June Professional Development event! This year we are looking for presentations about using social media as an outreach tool and how libraries and librarians are using social media tools to help reach their patrons. We are also accepting applications on any fun, interesting, or unique outreach program that has worked for your library that you are willing to share. The event will be held virtually on June 30th and you will be notified of your presentation time after applications close May 26th 2023. Please send any questions you may have to the NERTCL Chair, Kylie Woodmansee, [email protected].

Submit Proposal

Register Today

As a NELA member, did you know that you can be mentored? You can also be a mentor! The NELA Mentor/Mentee Program is designed to provide mentoring opportunities to librarians and paraprofessionals of diverse needs from various library fields and geographic locations. We make every effort to match participants with mentors who share stated interests.

We’re holding a Q&A Session about the Mentor/Mentee Program on Thursday, May 11th, 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST. This session will be led by the Membership Committee. This is a FREE Q&A opportunity for NELA members who are interested in either being a mentee or becoming a mentor to learn more about the program. The Q&A will feature Mentor RI Consultant, Chris Margadonna, who will lead mentor/mentee training workshops for program participants in September. You’ll have the opportunity to ask Chris questions about mentoring and the training workshops.

Your NELLS 2023 Tier II: Mid-Career Leadership Cohort!

NELA is pleased to announce the following individuals who have been accepted into the New England Library Leadership Symposium for 2023. These individuals submitted applications that demonstrated a sincere interest in developing their leadership skills, and the potential to make a significant impact in the profession.

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 Name Corrections Below*

NELA is pleased to announce the 2023 NELLS Mentors! 

Mentors are selected by each individual state association with a goal of fostering relationships with cohort attendees, and to provide a connection back to state associations after the conclusion of NELLS for additional learning and leadership opportunities. This year's mentors are experienced, dedicated professionals with a wealth of knowledge that will surely enrich the cohort's experience.

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The Call for Nominations is now open! NELA is seeking candidates for the open positions of Vice President, Member at Large, and Treasurer. Details about each officer position, including the length of term, meeting commitments, and basic duties can be found on the NELA website here:  https://www.nelib.org/executive-board-job-descriptions

Nominations Form

Service on the NELA Executive Board in an officer position is a chance to help drive the decisions of our library association and to help set future directions to continue supporting librarians in New England. This is an exciting time to join the leadership of NELA as we continue to grow our membership.

Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, brief outline of their vision for this program, and fee requirements to [email protected]. Application deadline has been extended until Monday, December 19th.

Michael York

The New England Library Association is thrilled to announce that this year’s recipient of the Emerson Greenaway Distinguished Service Award for Librarianship will be New Hampshire state librarian, Michael York. A librarian for over 45 years and New Hampshire’s state librarian since 1999, York has been a fixture in the New England library landscape for decades. In fact, York is a former president of the New England Library Association and the presenter of the very first Emerson Greenaway Award. Whether as the dean of libraries at the University of New Hampshire or as a librarian at Colby-Sawyer College, over the years York has constantly striven to enrich New England’s libraries and ensure that they are always able to meet the needs of New England residents.