NJLA condemns the attacks against the Asian American Community

March 22, 2021

The New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) stands in solidarity with all Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. NJLA affirms the statement submitted by the Asian/Pacific American Library Association (APALA) on March 3, 2021, in its condemnation of racist, violent acts rooted in discrimination, xenophobia, and white supremacy.

We condemn the attacks against the Asian American Community.

The New Jersey Library Association denounces discrimination and violence rooted in systemic racism and white supremacist culture. We recognize the harsh impact of the pandemic, violent attacks, and xenophobia on Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders particularly over the past year, and are dedicated to our role as advocates and educators in speaking out against hate.

We are committed to carrying out the actionable goals outlined in NJLA's Black Lives Matter Statement issued in June 2020. In representing all New Jersey libraries, library workers, library users and members of the communities we serve, it is the collective effort of NJLA to continue to work toward creating a more inclusive and equitable organization, with the utmost integrity.

We stand in unanimity against hate in all its forms. We support current and emerging efforts of New Jersey’s libraries and library workers,  to create safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.

Juliet Machie, Ed.D.                                                                                             Jen Schureman Brenner

Executive Director                                                                                               President

Click here for our upcoming programs on anti-racism towards the Asian American Pacific Island (AAPI) community.

Click here for our dynamic links to AAPI anti-racism resources.

Announcing the 2021 Election Results for NJLA’s Executive Board

 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED

EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

2021 NJLA Executive Board Election Results

Vice President/ President Elect

Jessica Trujillo, Montclair Public Library

Second Vice President

Allen McGinley, Teaneck Public Library

Secretary

Selwa Shamy, Montclair Public Library

Members at Large

Keisha Miller, South Orange Public Library

Carina Gonzalez, Piscataway Public Library

Joy Robinson, Piscataway Public Library

March 11, 2021
Update on Vaccine Priority for Library Workers

Dear Colleagues:

I am pleased to announce that we have received advisory from the Governor’s office that majority of library workers are likely to be classified under 1C in New Jersey’s vaccine rollout. At present, school library personnel and library workers 65 years and above, are eligible to be vaccinated beginning March 15, 2021, under the 1B category.  Other library workers are likely to be classified under 1C, beginning in April, 2021.

Thank you for your patience over the last two months as we advocated diligently to prioritize library workers for the COVID-19 vaccine. We pushed aggressively to be considered collectively under the 1B category and we are happy that our colleagues in the K-12 arena were included in 1B.

On March 10, 2021, Governor Murphy announced an increase to 50% capacity for indoor facilities. The announcement includes libraries who meet the previously established thresholds for safely providing indoor services.

Our message has been consistent that library workers thrive on being able to provide access to information to the communities we serve. Delaying our priority ranking in the vaccine rollout further delays our ability to support our customers who are desperate to find that next job; or the seniors needing to sign up for their vaccines; or the parents and students who rely on us to make sense out of digital learning.

New Jersey’s library workers are true champions. I consistently carry the message that we are ready, willing and able to serve our communities. But we want to do it as safely as possible.

Thank you to many of you who have been strong advocates for the vaccine prioritization of library workers. Our friend at the Governor’s office, Dr. Cornavaca, observed that: “it is not a matter of the advocacy but a matter of supply.  We are forced to make many hard decisions moving through this. But as soon as the supply increases we will move as fast as we can to include as many as we can.”

The good news is that April is right around the corner, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine hopefully, expands the vaccine supply.

Please continue to stay safe and well.

Juliet Machie, Ed.D.

Executive Director, NJLA

Digital Equity For All Residents

The New Jersey Library Alliance is proposing that a $21 million grant program administered by the NJ State Library be established to support the development of a digitally inclusive state.  This program will give public libraries in every county of New Jersey the opportunity to receive funding to help their residents bridge the digital divide.

Learn more:

The New Jersey Library Alliance Statement: Digital Equity Final.pdf

Digital Equity For All New Jersey Residents Infographic: LLNJ TOPCATS Digital Divide Infographic.pdf

Bridging the Divide - Why Libraries: Bridging the Divide.pdf

WIFI Locator Map (Libraries): Wi-Fi Locator Map.pdf